Sabine Cunningham-Blinn, a florist based in Zweibrücken, southwestern Germany, leads a life shaped by two very different worlds. While she spends her summers running her floral and décor work in Germany, winter finds her in Oman, where she helps introduce mainly German-speaking travellers to the landscapes, culture and everyday life of Oman — particularly in Dhofar Governorate.
In recent months, Sabine’s work has drawn growing attention in German media, especially around the concept of women-only travel. A detailed article on her activities was recently published in a regional German newspaper, highlighting her role in developing culturally sensitive, women-led journeys in Oman.
“I am happy to live in two worlds”, Sabine says. “For more than seven years now, I have been going back and forth between Germany and Oman”.
Sabine’s connection with Oman began almost by chance. A seasoned traveller since the age of 17 and a solo diver for more than a decade, she first visited Oman nearly seven years ago during the European winter, when her work as a florist for luxury hotels slows down.
“I came as a tourist, just to rest after stressful work”, she recalls. “But Oman changed my life”.
A chance tennis match at a hotel court in Salalah introduced her to local residents, including Salim Abid, who later showed her around the region. Through him, she met Said, a veteran Omani tour guide and owner of a family-run company, Dhofar Gates. An overnight desert trip into the Rub Al Khali, left a lasting impression.
What began as curiosity soon turned into commitment. Sabine recognised how difficult it was for small Omani tour operators to compete with large international travel companies. Drawing on her background in marketing, communication and event management, she began assisting with promotion, social media, translations and tour design, while encouraging more sustainable practices.
“I learned so much from Uncle Said. I was his student”, she says. “His knowledge is a treasure. Respect is the key — it goes both ways”.
Her efforts gained visibility in Germany. Sabine’s story was featured in Die Rheinpfalz, followed by coverage on regional television in southwest Germany, including a live interview. Today, she is widely known in her hometown as the florist who spends her winters working in Oman.
One of Sabine’s most significant initiatives is her involvement in women-only travel programmes in Oman, developed in collaboration with Monika Sommer, based in Muscat. As the expert on southern Oman, Sabine has played a central role in organising the programme and will lead the women’s tour to the Salalah region in New Year.
“There are many women who want to travel but feel safer in a small group”, she explains. “Especially in countries that are not yet well known, they want real information — about culture, daily life and traditions”.
The tours emphasise authentic experiences, including meetings with Omani women in their homes, visits to traditional handicraft centres and stays linked to a 150-year-old heritage house in Taqah, which serves as a base for exploration.
She has already begun building relationships with women’s associations in Taqah, calling the growing trust “an important step” in supporting local women and fostering cultural exchange.
While women-only journeys have drawn particular interest, Sabine and her partners also organise mixed-group trips, family travel and individual itineraries across Oman. These include guided tours as well as self-drive experiences, all tailored to offer deeper cultural engagement rather than surface-level sightseeing.
“Meeting new people is important to both of us”, Sabine says. “Real connections make travel meaningful”.
Looking ahead, she plans to represent Dhofar Governorate at a travel exhibition in Germany in early 2026, aiming to give Salalah a stronger voice among European travellers.
“Dhofar is different from Muscat”, she notes. “It is very traditional, with its own character. I feel blessed to be surrounded by Omani friends who support me and my ideas”.
For Sabine Cunningham-Blinn, what started as a winter escape has evolved into a mission — one built on trust, respect and the belief that small, human connections can bridge even the widest cultural distances.
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