js,
No, it's not strange at all. Just compare how close to the end of the runway the perimteter fence (and therefore localiser antenna) of each airport is.
London Gatwick site first used as aerodrome: 1920s
Dubai first used as aerodrome: 1960s
I imagine that one would have had to have great foresight to predict ILS as we know it back in 1920, let alone super large aircraft.
Yes, GBAS is the future but, what, 4% of airliners are equipped today?