That's right newswatcher - bmi were awarded the rights to several ME destinations, including DOH and DXB.
My info is that they were considering DXB seriously, and that VS would be delighted to get a foothold in the region through a possible collaboration with bmi.
However, with DXB served directly 12 times daily from the UK, competition will be fierce.
DOH would make a more logical option, but there is very little traffic that actually stops in Doha. Most of it connects onwards via the hub and spoke theory that QR have. So, for bmi to take on QR would be difficult in my opinion, unless their relationship with GF is strengthened. GF, however, have a barely noticeable presence at Doha now.