For CO , you have to call the partner desk which contacts EK and you find out a day or so later , I never tried it since I have flown to MLE on MH and SQ .

For Dubai , you would have to go with EK , or possibly QR
I thought they flew to MLE, but im not 100% positive.

You can also try to get yourself upgraded tickets on UA to SIN, from there the flight to MLE is short if you have to buy economy tickets.
The other 2 options are KUL and CMB but UA does not fly there.

SPG points transfer into many airline programs , although the ratios are not good for some. but that can help you build up the balance.


good luck