On the occasion of the annual greeting ceremony for the year 1440 A.H., organized by the Department of Public Relations and Media, on Tuesday, 8 Shawwal 1440 A.H., in the Outer Court of Al-Jawharah Hall in Al-Zahir, Umm Al-Qura University reflected the ancient Makkan customs and revived the ancestral memory while welcoming the blessed Eid Al-Fitr. This took place while serving an Iftar table that closely imitated the style of the Hijazi Tatemah (traditional array of small dishes) and various other related hospitality treats, that was a popular heritage characteristic to the people of this region.

Dr. Sarah bint Omar Al-Khuli, UQU Vice President for Female Student Affairs, extended her greetings to the vice deans of the different colleges and departments, and to all academic staff members on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. During her speech, she highlighted the importance of maintaining and reviving the festivities of Eid Al-Fitr by creating happiness and living out the meanings of the Eid, once its start is officially announced. She added that paramount among Eid ceremonies is preparing for Eid Prayer, strengthening the ties of kinship, and exchanging congratulations on this happy Islamic occasion. This contributes to the performance of the Eid rituals according to its customary Islamic principles.

Dr. Halah bint Saeed Al-Amoudi, the Dean of University Studies for Girls, stressed the importance of connecting the joy of the Eid with completing the fast of Ramadan and restraining oneself from committing sins and misdeeds during the holy month, in addition to the continuation of inherited greeting traditions. Her Excellency congratulated all the university staff members on the arrival of Eid Al-Fitr, and supplicated Almighty Allah to bless both the Arab and Muslim nations with many happy recurrences of this delightful occasion.

It is worth noting that the name of the "Hijazi Tatemah" (traditional array of small dishes) is derived from "`utmat-al-lil," which means the darkness of night. The people of the old Hijaz used to celebrate their social occasions and festivities during the evening. The food items offered during this traditional dinner banquet were the same during all celebrations, ranging from Harissa, Al-Ladoo, and Hijazi Labaniya, in addition to serving cheese, olives, and already-prepared pickles, along with many types of barley bread, Shoreek (sweet bread rolls), and Fatoot (dishes made with crumbled bread).