Never heard of a wake sidestep request either and considering the normal separation we get in Dubai, I would argue that its not needed.
My comments on 5-15 miles and 1000' of separation are really a combination of the downwind, intermediate descent and climb level off scenarios with both approach and area control. The 10 mile & 1000' separations are usually above 13,000'
There is no doubt the 6- 8000' downwind (usually because of a SHJ arrival) followed by a decent to 2000' and 7 mile final is the most challanging. Personally I love 'em, however they do require good situation & energy awareness to do consistently. Throw in a combination of fatigue and differing pilot-age skills and you have a recipe for go-arounds or worse. I have asked (and got) extensions of the downwind because I know that we have too much energy to achieve what the controller asks. This can be a tough call, potentially unnecessary and also a pain for the controller.