There's a very simple principle to follow for any prospective joiners. (Well, there won't be any for awhile as apparently recruiting is done for 2009).
The very best day of your employment at Emirates will be the very first day you work for them. Every single day after that will be worse. I cannot think of any aspect of living in Dubai or working for Emirates that has stayed the same or materially improved over the course of the last few years. Oh, there have been some bright spots which I'm sure the faithful will jump all over to convince themselves of how wonderful it is. But it's one step forward, three back.
Just keep that in mind and you'll be fine.