To allow deep draft vessels to unload, a rail causeway of approximately 7 miles (11.3 km) was built out into the Persian Gulf.

[1] In 2011, it was announced that, as part of a 30-year master plan, there would be upgrades to the line to replace level crossings with grade separations,[2] and to bypass of the centre city of Hofuf.

In 2014, the SRO awarded a contract worth US$1.6 million to a consortium led by Spanish firm Consultrans to study alignments for a high-speed line linking Riyadh and Dammam.

The trains entered service as the SRO completed double-tracking of the entire 449 km (279 mi) line.

The derailment happened after flooding from torrential rains caused the ground under the rail line to erode.

There are four stations on the Dammam–Riyadh line: In 2012, Spanish manufacturer CAF delivered eight fast diesel locomotives, each complete with one trainset comprising one driving van and one trailer passenger car.

The line was equipped with signaling technology including an electronic interlocking and Trainguard 100 for ETCS Level 1.

[20] From 1 June 2016, SRO began operating an express train that covered the distance between Riyadh and Dammam in 3 hours 40 minutes.