I just don't buy the argument that because IAG and Qatar are good buddies that it translates into a love of the other ME carriers. They are three different competing airlines.
Imagine EK getting traffic rights between LHR and JFK - see how BA would squeal - just like AF or LH would in their respective fortresses.
EK out of the UK regions would be a disaster for those regions.
It would certainly kill off the US carriers meaning the connectivity that they offer to all points Stateside would be gone overnight. You might be able to go to NYC on a nice shiny emirates bird but that's not much use if you want to go to Albuquerque.