I may be totally wrong here.. But It sounds to me that your travel was booked by your Corporate travel Dept, whom probably outsourced it to their preferred Travel agency..
Most of these people can't find Dubai on the Map..
I used to Commute to DXB once a month from IAH for over 4 Years. I finally started booking it all international travel myself for many reasons.
1. Extra insurance on my bags by purchasing with credit card.
2. Extra miles because of purchasing on CC.
3. Ability to "put a stop over" in the middle without bosses really Caring
4. Could many times claim Econ/Bus/ full so if you want me there its 1st...
5. Open return tickets were had great flex..
I'm not sure any of this helps your current upgrade situation.. The LHR-DXB leg can be a long one.. Arriving 2AM in DXB will be a shocker if it is your first time..
Watch for "Identifying Course Corrections" and Landing Light flashes over Saudi etc..