Marriages are generally pre-arranged by the parents and children are a considered the family's greatest asset. 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. Since the 1960's, Saudi Arabia has used much of its oil income to build modern transportation systems, schools, and communication networks. The government has also taken steps to improve housing and to extend electricity and other modern conveniences to the remote rural areas.