Aden's oil refinery and port provide Yemen with much of its income. The oil refinery processes oil shipped from other countries, mostly those on the Persian Gulf. Ships of many nations use the port for refueling, repairs, and transferring cargoes. Until the early 1980's, Yemen had almost no other industry. But large petroleum deposits were found in the northwestern part of the country, and petroleum mining is growing in importance.
Construction is also a growing industry.
Construction projects include new factories, hotels, office buildings, schools, and roads. Many goods in the country are still made by hand. The people weave and dye cloth, and make rope, glassware, harnesses, saddles, and pottery. Trucks and automobiles provide most of the land transportation in Yemen. But many people still use camels, donkeys, and horses.