DUBAI: The light rail system planned for Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah has been delayed so that the project's financing can be restructured, the head of the implementing body said on Wednesday.

"The reason for the delay is some restructuring financially," Ali Abdelfattah, chief executive designate of Makkah Mass Rail Transit, told a conference in Dubai.

There was no indication for how long the project would be delayed, but Abdelfattah added that the project was a top priority for the Saudi government.

The planned metro system in Mecca would have 182 kilometres of track and 88 stations. It was due to be built over six phases lasting around 20 years.