Saudi Gazette report AL-AHSA — It was not just a small grocery store in which old people, even young people, sit outside and listen to what happens inside of serious discussions and social analyses, in addition to powerful sports fanaticism. Despite the humble products lined up on the shelves, and its long wooden seat, which is enough to seat five people, many prefer to stand up so as not to miss the grocery stories, Al-Hayat reported. Three decades ago, it was rare to have a neighborhood of Al-Ahsa without the existence of a grocery store, or Dukkan according to the local dialect. One street may have three adjacent grocery stores. These stores' function were not limited to selling, but a gathering point for male residents of the neighborhood too. They deal with social issues, even political debates and sports, and the discussion is always heated and the atmosphere turns into something like a debate, which ends mostly in peace. These were the most important places of the usual day for previous generations, before the revolution of communications and social networking sites invaded houses and people's days. These conversations turned from groceries to those programs and websites. The traditional grocery stores left the streets of Al-Ahsa, but the memories did not leave. These small grocery stores no longer cater to the needs of people and are no longer a center for social, cultural, sports discussion and even political awareness. In the past, these traditional groceries were characterized by their modest construction, their small space, and to the display table behind which the seller sits. The owner of the grocery would make sure to get products with value affordable to rural residents. These stores were committed to operation hours; they start early in the day and close at 10 p.m. maximum. Yasin Mohammed Al-Hani, one of the grocery stores visitors, said, Groceries were and still are an important place in our local culture. I remember that we used to race and come early, whether in the noon or afternoon, until we find a place inside. And we were gathered to watch the league matches, and saw an unrivaled enthusiasm between the fans of Al-Nasr and Al-Hilal Club. These memories can not be forgotten, especially when a fight broke between the fans of the two clubs in the grocery. Abdullah Mubarak Al-Abdullah explains that the grocery store is an important social center, and anyone looking for someone will find that person in one of the grocery stores, where peace between the contestants will be held, as well as celebrating the happy occasions. For example, if someone gives birth to a newborn he will open cans of soda inside the grocery store for this occasion. The grocery store does not have a lot of food, and it is limited to the daily needs of the household. However, its owners take into consideration the low economic situation of some families. They put the advances or debt on the table and they refuse to prevent people from taking loans in the form of products they need; a humanitarian gesture on the part of the owners of these groceries. Those who pass through the old neighborhoods of Al-Ahsa will see abandoned small shops with signs indicating that there was a small grocery. Behind these closed doors are many stories and their walls still hold sharp debates in sports and politics. But these have been replaced by the silent luxury of cafes, filled with smart phones, and all of the busy people who are focused on their devices and themselves.