Although I wasn't on (obviously, if it was the worst controlling you'd seen
), my sources tell me; 1. there may be some politics going on which causes increased spacing at the moment. 2. the flow system into Dubai needs looking at- it works via gates, instead of via aircraft at the threshold (or the total arriving traffic, as in the rest of the world)- but we do as we are told. 3. the area guys' plan can be dashed in seconds, as approach can call up and ask for increased spacing at the drop of a hat- the area guy achieves 10nm spacing between the current arrivals, then is suddenly told to provide 30nm spacing to app. (as happened in this case). The only option is to hold.
We may not like it (as I'm sure you don't), but we do as we are ordered. Either way, a delay would have been needed for your arrival, the way it is achieved is another thing. Things will only improve if you complain via the proper channels.