Nakheel and Spain’s RIU Hotels and Resorts have announced the start of development of their AED900 million ($245m), 800-room joint venture waterpark resort at Dubai’s Deira Islands.

The Dubai-based developer said in a statement that international consultant Dar Al Handasah has been appointed to oversee design, engineering and construction supervision of the resort.

The resort is set to spread across a 3.4 million square foot plot and comprise of 800 rooms, four swimming pools, a kids’ club, a spa and a fitness centre. It will also have dining facilities such as an all-day restaurant, a speciality restaurant, four beach eateries and an evening dining area with a stage for live shows and entertainment. The waterpark will occupy 10% of the total area.

Nakheel and RIU signed a joint venture agreement for the project in February. A construction tender is expected to be released by the end of 2016, with completion expected around the third quarter of 2019.