Well..., that depends what Saffers you ask. I know a couple of guys including myself who packed up shop because of the absolute sh*tshow DXB has become and moved back home to fly for an LCC. Because guess what, quality of life is actually better if you work smartly with your $'s.
Problem is, there are a lot of ego involved and such a move back to a 3rd world country to fly a lowly 738 for an LCC just won't cut it - read shiny jet syndrome. So they would rather be semi miserable and keep the status going. I never really enjoyed flying with my fellow countrymen because of this exact reason. Remember EK is highly regarded in SA for some unknown reason so back home people see you as some kind of uber pilot if you wear an EK uniform.