Before everyone jumps on the guys at Dubai, pretty much the same would have happened at heathrow. Unless you declare a Pan or Mayday you have to use the declared runway. Say the magic words though, and you can basically do whatever you like.
As for the breakdown in communicaton about the requested tow, bit crap I'll give you, but please remember, if you have a problem please please please spell out exactly what you can or cannot do to the poor ATCO. Personally I'd have no idea what single crewing meant to the operation of the plane.