Two ships of the French Durance-class replenishment oilers were ordered by the Royal Saudi Navy in October 1980 to a modified design.

The ships are powered by two SEMT Pielstick 14 PC2.5 V 400 diesel engines turning two shafts with LIPS controllable pitch propellers rated at 13,600 kilowatts (18,200 hp).

[1] The ships are armed with two turrets with twin Breda Bofors 40 mm (1.6 in) guns.

[2][1] In 2013 an agreement was reached between France and Saudi Arabia for a life-extension program for the two ships.

The refit will include the installation of one launcher for Simbad Mistral surface-to-air missiles.