I believe it's considered Africa....
It's not that big of a difference in miles required...
From North America - (Coach/Biz/First)
Mid East 80/120/180
Africa 70/110/150
And, in your favor too. I find it interesting that it takes fewer miles to go to Capetown or Johannesburg than it would to Dubai.
Thanks!
However, it is a big difference if you are wanting to do something along the lines of CAI-DXB on an award.
Bad news, but good to know.