New deposits of gold, copper and silver are being worked. Other resources are asbestos, limestone, marble, gypsum, chromite, iron, lead, manganese and zinc. Alfalfa, wheat, onions, bananas, coconuts, date palms, limes, mangoes and walnuts are grown. The most important domestic livestock are camels and goats. Construction is an important industry as both housing and infrastructure projects are a major part of Oman's development plans.
Traditional crafts are the weaving of rugs, carpets and clothing from camel and goats' hair.
Silver jewellery is another important Omani craft. In recent years, with increasing modernization, Oman has begun to establish a tourist industry and within the next five or six years one hundred thousand visitors a year are expected. THE ARTS Oman's leading modern painters are Hassan Meer and Nadira Mahmoud Traditional music and dancing is supported as part of the government's plan to maintain Oman's own identity while the country modernizes. Camel races are a more traditional sport. As well as the Islamic festivals of the End of Ramadan, the Feast of the Sacrifice and the Birthday of the Prophet, Oman celebrates National Day.