I've been under the impression that Emirates is highly regarded but this incident has me puzzled. Relatives of mine are returning to SYD from LHR via Dubai on a 380. Shortly before arrival in Dubai it was announced that they were "diverting" to Sharjah for refuelling. They were kept on the ground for more than 3 and a half hours before taking off for the short flight to Dubai.
To make matters worse they missed their connection to SYD and, following a 6 hour wait at Dubai, they are being put on a flight to Perth where a further 4 hour wait awaits them before their flight to SYD. Their journey has, thus, been extended by about 14 hours.
In relation to the diversion, from my limited knowledge of that part of the world, that would be the equivalent of an LHR bound flight diverting to LGW due fuel issues which is hardly likely. Is it?