For better or worse, remember guys that EK are still the best airline (package) paymasters around the the Middle East (GCCs). What comes in the future won't be any better for the obvious reasons and everybody knows about. There are a lot "drivers" worldwide giving it all (many very honest and humble guys) for bigger and bigger jets with very few hours, i.e. South Africans and others where jobs opportunities (and consequently money) are very few. They'll do anything to get to "that" seat. These guys are no wannabe DECs...
Set your personal/professional targets and try to move on when your paymaster is no longer of help to you.
I remind you that this is NOT a statement of support for EK management. They (and the other airline management teams) will one day find out the hard way... but I believe you may not wish to be part of it.
Keep discovering until you find better!!!