One further thought on the EK route. Apart from the pax load factor I understand its the good cargo loads they get that make this operation well worthwhile.
The cargo on NCL-DXB has blown everyone away by all/most accounts, and has made it's own market based around the flights, particularly NE-Oz.
One thing helping to boost cargo on the EK NCL flight will be the need for MAN freight to be frequently sent elsewhere with a 777 service since the A380 started. As MAN gets a second daily A380 replacing a 777 from next Sunday, watch out for more freight heading your way...