Agriculture, owing to Oman's desert land, is confined to the coastal plain and a few irrigated areas in the interior. There are mineral deposits of copper, chromite, marble, gypsum and limestone which are being exploited, and of manganese ore and coal, which are not. Oman's principal trading partners are the UK, Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Men should wear suits and ties for business and formal occasions. English is usually spoken in business circles, but a few words or phrases of Arabic will be useful and welcome.
Appointments are essential and punctuality is gradually becoming more important in business circles.
Visiting cards are widely used. All offices are closed Friday. Office hours are shorter during Ramadan.