you are probably right desert nomad. but in and around my area thats the rents. and if its cheaper else where its only a matter of time until the landlords up their prices to account for their costs of living in Dubai.
I am in company accomodation and its very comfortable thanks. However the UA is not enough for those who have chosen to take it. Perhaps 3 or even 5 years ago it was very generous....now its not and simply hasnt kept up with the prices of housing or the rent hikes that have been going on over last 12 - 18 months.
EK should do something to make up for the rising costs of living here. Lets face it without pilots and cabin crew there would be no Emirates Airline. so why do they make it so difficult to justify staying here and working.
Money talks and if they paid money ...most people would see that as a sweetner to put up with all the hassels of being here and it would also act as a wee honey pot for those thinking of coming....DEC's or new Co's.
My guess is if there is a profitshare and payrise like last year ....... the pilot list at EK will deminish rapidly over the 6 months following the May announcement.