I'm looking for clarification and would appreciate help: I had a ticket from Dubai to Shanghai

Hi
New Zealand passport holder, staying within 6 days. Then flying Shanghai to Hong Kong (three nights) and flying to Dubai. I was denied boarding the plane in Dubai- the airline's reason being that I wasn't part of a tour group and that I hadn't booked with a travel agent. This seemed like old information? I then went to the Chinese embassy in UAE and was told that Hong Kong isn't allowed as a third region/country and that is why I was denied. Neither airline or embassy had heard of the 144 hour transit. I'm now out of pocket and unsure if I can claim a refund? Thanks for your help :)