Roster is busy now...but once published for the month, not subject to change unless called out on stby if a standby carries you into a day off, the off day will be replaced, and you will get paid the callout rate you will learn the subleties of dealing with crew control as you go along....learning this makes life much better
rostered usually for 8 days (minimum req'd by reg's) off occasionally more, but not likely... usually in pairs or threes ...but more nights at home as some trips are day blocks, or overnight turnarounds which put u home for the afternoon night even though it is a work day.
you will probably find yourself inclined to live in Dubai, most of the family types do for a variety of reasons..the drive to AUH airport is about the same time as from downtown here..and housing is more reasonable.....take a room here at Capital hotel in AUH for first month,(or whatever..i lived there for a year) rent a car,(bring an international driving licence) and drive the missus around to dubai and auh and let her decide...(traditional way it,s done) best idea...surely some co-workers who live in Dubai can point you in the right direction....AUH city living..dubai more like the 'burbs..
after a while you find yourself drivinglike everybody elsehere, and will get lots of tickets when you go home on leave....make sure you have a driving licence current in the country in which your passport was issued....
see ya down here!!! pm me when u arrive help out if i can...