Children are a considered the family's greatest asset because they provide the parents with additional laborers and social security. The Omani eat mainly dairy products, lamb, rice, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Tea and coffee are their favorite beverages. Islamic law forbids them to eat pork or to drink alcohol. Most of the Omani wear traditional Arab clothes, although many now prefer western clothing.
Men wear white robes and turbans.
They also carry knives in brightly colored sashes. The women wear long, black dresses over colorful inner clothes. Some of them also wear black masks to cover their faces. Education in the UAE is mandatory between the ages of six and twelve. There are both primary and secondary schools in each emirate.