How is this question even remotely related to BA or BAEC?

DXB-LYR-IAH is about 2% (200mi) further than DXB-IAH direct, but perhaps there may be more favourable winds (or less unfavourable winds).
http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=dxb-iah;dxb-lyr-iah
The map projection used on FR24 does make it look like the route taken is a lot longer than the GC distance for polar routes.