President Abdullah Yameen has delayed his planned trip to Mecca, Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

RaajjeMV understands that the President and First Lady were scheduled to depart on Friday evening. However, the President will now leave on Monday.

No details have been made public over the delay.

However, First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim, Members of Parliament Mauroof and Siyam and Minister Mohamed Saeed had already departed.

This is the third year the President had observed the pilgrimage. While his trip is planned to start on Monday, it comes amid political turmoil on the local front.