If EK were to establish bases out of Dubai I would probably stay until retirement however this has been an ongoing issue and at least one senior Captain who was pushing for bases for years finally gave up commuting and has moved his family back to Dubai as the commute was impractical.
Management continue to say NO to basings although many other airlines are adopting this practice as it is an effective use of manpower and also popular with employees. EK dont appear to be interested in improving our lifestyle.
This brings me to the concept of satisficing, i.e. what is satisfactory or enough? The ongoing cost-cutting measures here are indicative of a carrier bordering on insolvency however EK is one of the more profitable airlines in the world (a large reason for this is their labour cost base). This is typical of not only EK but Dubai in general; there is never 'enough'; there must be more. Business owners here could generate healthy (largely tax free) returns whilst providing employee satisfaction through salaries and conditions which are in turn beneficial to society as a whole. Many businesses though, continue to seek maximum returns at the expense of their employees. The situation is similar with landlords and rental charges.
As far as safety is concerned if your wife or daughter is abducted off the street and gang raped expect the perpetrators to get 2 years in the can and probably get out early if they can recite parts of the Koran.
In our countries immigrants are generally treated in much the same way as anyone else. The locals here appear to consider themselves superior to us; they certainly have more money (given the underlying reason for the wealth) although I would argue that that in itself does not form the basis for superiority over other people. It does get irritating.
Try
www.7days.ae and check out some of the letters for a broader perspective.
I am happiest when a) out of here on holiday and b) at home and off the roads as it is so stressful.
Good luck with your decision.