Am I interpreting the rules correctly?
I dont believe you are?
See below from EK site
Travel to New York (JFK)
Effective 28 September, all passengers travelling to New York,
with the exception of 31 countries, must quarantine for 14 days and complete the online
New York State Department of Health Traveler Form.
Travel from USA
All passengers travelling to Dubai, including passengers with a connecting flight, must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued by a local government approved laboratory, and the test should be conducted no more than 96 hours before departure. Bring an official printed certificate – SMS and digital certificates are not accepted. Children below 12 years old and passengers with moderate or severe disabilities are exempt from this test.