In regards to botanical produce Arabia is an exceedingly deprived country. In various places, for hundreds of miles, one is unable to find even remote signs of vegetation. A greater part of the country is composed of mountains and desert wastelands. The greatest produce is dates and is found all over the country in wide assortment. Dates are the true diet of the Arabs and are their primary means of sustenance. Moreover, many diverse items are prepared from them. Other fruits can also be found in various other parts of Arabia, and wherever water is available, people have planted their own gardens as well. Ṭā’if, in the region of Ḥijāz, was and still is particularly renowned for its gardens.
In regions where agriculture is possible, for example the coastal regions and valleys surrounded by mountainous terrain, etc., various tribes manage to produce some grain by cultivating the land. Hence, barley and corn are planted in certain places and wheat is grown as well. Moreover, beans and other pulses are grown in most places. Various vegetables are also produced along with coffee and hot spices. Grass grows abundantly in regions of rainfall. Regions of this sort are utilised as grazing grounds for animals. Separate grazing grounds have been fixed by every tribe and the Satḥ-e-Murtafa‘ Najd is the centre of many pastures in particular.
In the case of animal produce, three animals are especially renowned: the camel, horse and donkey. The camel is a part of the necessities of life in Arabia. It is almost impossible to travel without a camel in a country like Arabia, and in times of need, its meat is also consumed. The Arabian horse, due to particular qualities possesses a distinct status among the horses of the world. Arabs hold it very dear to themselves and do not usually allow its breed to be exported. The horse of Najd possesses special value and merit in the eyes of the Arabs. The donkey is also common and is utilised as a mode of transport. In the time of the Jāhiliyyah, Arabs were accustomed to consuming its meat. Goats and sheep are also found in great abundance and the wealthy possess herds upon herds. Cows and oxen also live, but buffalos do not exist in Arabia.
Among wild animals, lions and cheetahs are found in certain areas. Wolves, hyenas, monkeys and jackals, etc., are found in significant number. Moreover, deer, and in mountainous terrain, wild goats can also be found. Wild donkeys are also existent and are fondly hunted by the Arabs.
In the category of birds, whilst excluding common birds, only the ostrich is worthy of mention. This is an exceedingly large bird with extended legs and runs with such speed as even horses cannot contend.
Among the animals that crawl and slither, only one type of chameleon is found abundantly, though snakes, etc., are also existent.
The locust, whose meat is consumed, is found in large quantity and it causes severe damage to gardens and crops, etc. Near the coast, fish is also found and people catch it for the purpose of consumption.
Mineral resources are minimal in Arabia. Moreover, valuable and conducive ores and metals are as if equal to none. Some lead and copper along with minimal amounts of silver and iron are found. Coal, sulphur and salt are also available, and gold is also found in some places. An English-man by the name of Mr. Burton also embarked on an expedition in pursuit of gold but was unable to gain success in his endeavour. Pearls are also extracted from the seashores in Baḥrain, which result in substantial commerce, and now, enormous oil reserves have also been discovered in Arabia.