Respectfully, I would stay in the States if I were you. Why bring your family all the way to Dubai - an increasingly expensive sandpit? Why not apply to AirTran or SWA when you have the hours? Seriously, EK can change the rules on you AT WILL. Anything they are telling you now they can change and you have no protection. Don't let the allure of flying the 777 or even the A380 (yeah, if that ever happens) convince you to leave the States - a big mistake if you ask me. They tell a great story to prospective pilots, but that story can change on a dime...