In pictures: Inside the World Superyacht Awards 2018 judging weekend

From March 1-3, the judges of the World Superyacht Awards 2018 gathered in Abu Dhabi to decide the worthy winners of this year's awards. Along with the crucial judges' meeting, the judges and their partners were treated to a weekend of cultural delights offering them the chance to sample some of the best the UAE has to offer. Boat International Media would like to thank the Rosewood Abu Dhabi Hotel and event partners Netjets and Puiforcat for their support. Click through to see highlights from the weekend...

Pictured: The Majlis Terrace at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi Hotel played host to a welcome dinner set against the stunning backdrop of the Abu Dhabi skyline on the first evening.

Barry Houghton, owner of Fitzroy sailing yacht Salperton IV, and Marco Vögele, owner of 34 metre Vitters sailing yacht Inouï.

While the judges' meeting took place on day two, the judges' partners were entertained with a full programme taking in a host of key Emirati experiences. First the group headed to the Jumeirah Observation Deck at the Etihad Towers, the city's highest vantage point offering unbeatable views, before taking the historic Pearl Journey (pictured above). Guests took in the mangrove forests on a peaceful boat ride while discovering the secrets to pearl diving before ending with lunch at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa.

Kathleen Brown, Helen Porter and June Lean-Vercoe.

After a long day making some tough choices, the World Superyacht Award judges were rewarded with an elegant dinner at the Emirates Palace, one of Abu Dhabi's most iconic landmarks, held in association with Puiforcat.

Pictured: Hani Jabsheh, Chairman of the Judges and owner of 43 metre CRN Hana addresses guests.

West Duker, owner of 70 metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Sybaris, and Kim Schindelhauer, owner of 33 metre Baltic sailing yacht WinWin.

Michael Graham, senior vice president of NetJets.

Matthew Voorhees, owner of 50.3 metre Feadship Broadwater and Victor Muller, owner of 35.4 metre Feadship Highlander and founder of the Feadship Heritage Fleet.

Kim Vibe-Petersen, owner of 54 metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Parsifal III and 52 metre Alloy sailing yacht Q, and Claudia Fuentes.

Nina Vibe-Petersen.