A lot has changed in ten years obviously, in fact a lot has changed in 6 months! Salary is easily as good as the other Gulf carriers now and as an F/O you can afford 2 cars and a speedboat I know I have all 3! Don't believe the rubbish about ex-pat airlines, some people just don't like the lifestyle others love it, you just have to be sure which one you are. Personally I recommend it, but you dont HAVE to take my advice.