Your observations are understandable given how infrequent you travel with EK and that you travelled in economy.

I can't see any big a problem with what you experienced. After all this is a regional 1hr flight and while the frustrations exist (universally) about remote gates and delays, they aren't out of ordinary.

What you need to do is either go from SHJ or DWC instead if you want to move forward. As for using your points, book a one way in flex, then return with a different carrier.

Despite all shortcomings and issues, Emirates still rocks.