A glittering array of international celebrities walked the red carpet at the Abu Dhabi Chequered Flag Ball this year.
The annual ball proved a hit with the Brits and attracted stars of sport, screen and stage.
Everybody was waiting to see British actor Hugh Grant but it was former Formula One racing driver David Coulthard who stole the show with his jokes and quick wit.
The UK's multi award-winning R&B signing sensation, Beverley Knight, was joined on the carpet by top racing boss Eddie Jordan, lead of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority-backed ball's onstage entertainment.
British model Kelly Brook and tennis legend Boris Becker kept everyone waiting and arrived fashionably late.
A range of exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime lots went under the hammer to raise donations for the UK's leading children's cancer charity, CLIC Sargent.
Top of the list was a lot for a luxurious trip for four to the Monaco Grand Prix, as well as chances to walk the red carpet at the BRIT Awards and join the highly exclusive post-show party in the VIP Club, a five-night trip to Cape Town, a one-off World Rally Championship weekend and an opportunity to be one of the first in the world to own the Official Ferrari Opus.
"It's such a wonderful place," Knight told tabloid!. "Everything is just so beautiful. It's my first time in Abu Dhabi. I've been to Dubai many times but this is incredible.
Good spirits
"I can't think of a more glamorous way to celebrate the start of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix than at the Chequered Flag Ball," said Knight, who has performed with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Prince and Take That. Knight performed songs from her most recent album, as well as a selection of famous hits, including Shoulda Woulda Coulda.
Scotland's 13-time Grand Prix winner, Coulthard, who racked up 62 podium finishes and 535 points during a 14-year racing career, was in good spirits when he arrived with former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi and leading Formula One commentator, Martin Brundle.
"I'm a big fan of the kilt but have you seen the temperature," he said. "I also haven't been successful enough to have a man servant to unpack my luggage when I arrive anywhere," he said.
Grant was his usual "anti-media" self looking awkward posing for photographs before dropping his head and walking inside.
In stark contrast Brit boy band member Anthony Foster, of Blue, made sure he chatted with the local press.
Dapper in a black suit, he said he was excited to be in Abu Dhabi for the first time. "It's an amazing place and I'm looking forward to all the racing action. Fingers crossed for Hamilton."
The ball raised more than $50,000 (Dh183,589) for charity with donations still coming in.
