I would imagine that EK's objectives are similar to QR's and EY's:

i) support the growth of DXB and the UAE by providing capacity for people to visit and transit
ii) represent DXB and the UAE around the world
iii) buy political support from DXB and UAE nationals by giving them an airline to be proud of (and the insurance option to carry them to safety when the region goes to war).

If it makes a profit at the company level whilst doing so then so much the better.