Actually, according to our fuel policy,
''If at any time, it becomes apparent that the aircraft MAY land with less than Final Reserve, a PAN call to ATC must be made, reporting fuel remaining in minutes.
If at any time........... the aircraft WILL land with less than Final Reserve, a MAYDAY call to ATC must be made..............''
Taking extra fuel is the best option and there has not been one instance when a pilot has been 'disclipined' for taking a reasonable amount of extra fuel.
DIVERT when in doubt, Committing to destination in Dubai is not exactly a great idea, for various reasons.
And as a final option, declare an Emergency.
The company has fostered an atmosphere that is causing pilots to second guess even their most benign decisions. This 'fear' culture does not work in the world of aviation. Fuel is one area, where being conservative if in doubt, should be the only policy.
By the way, out of curiousity, what time of day did all of this happen?