Ok, many thanks for the updates guys but now I do have the definitive (for me & Mrs. NoY annyhow
) answer.
A UK passport DOES qualify for e-gate. We now have in our posession e-gate cards which are valid for 2 years each ^
Did this at DXB T1 (upper level) where there are dedicated e-gate desks. Process took 10 minutes each - and we walked away with the cards - which in itself is a nothing short of a miracle for any UAE-based beauracracy that I have encountered here
Brilliant service indeed. This will reduce my weekly commute times massively as the lines at immigration are nuts most days. e-gate is usually empty.
Should work for any of the 33 (?) visa-on-arrival passport holders.