It'll never happen, especially given that from June all three Middle Eastern carriers will operate at least daily from Dublin, with Emirates considering adding the A380 on their route to DXB. It would be much easier (and profitable) for Emirates to fill a B773 (or A380) if they use a major airport as the stop-over. Athens, despite being a very popular tourist destination, only has seasonal services to the US (PHL, JFK, EWR) from US carriers - it makes sense for Emirates to offer the year round EWR connection. In addition, Emirates already operates double daily flights from ATH to DXB, albeit with a stop-over in Larnaca; the DXB end of the route is well established - flying from Belfast would be an complete shot in the dark.