In pictures: Inside the World Superyacht Awards 2018 judging weekend

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.

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.

Barry Houghton and Sophie Bonvin.

Aline Matsika and Marco Vögele.

The World Superyacht Awards judging weekend ended on a high note with a special desert safari full of unique Emirati experiences including sand dune bashing, falconry, camel riding and henna painting.