Thanks thatwasclose, I'm sure it is a nice place :-)
FWIW, I don't recall ever having used the word "hate", I'm merely pointing out a few things as I see them. I too enjoy the beach, the kids are in good schools and she who must be obeyed enjoys it here 9 months out of 12.
Despite what some might think, the vast majority of my EK co-workers are outstanding individuals in my experience, that doesn't however do a lot to redress the imbalance of roster v lifestyle nor does it make me feel any connection to Dubai and EK, it is what it is, but hate is not a word I would choose to describe my personal circumstances.
I suppose in retrospect I'd describe myself as a cynical pragmatist.