Fair enough, you've decided to come, sure try it out and I hope it works. It is an exciting move to make. However............
A word of warning tho'
"I was told that with the Delay on the 380 that Direct entry Captains will be a thing of the past"
I would be very careful about believing what people tell you here, lying is a way of life. The interview process as far as I know was very pleasant for all of us, does that mean that EK will be just as nice once you have joined?
I am not disagreeing with you, I am just saying be careful what you take at face value in the ME.
Also the airline is not totally staffed by expats, there are a lot of local chaps in positions as well.
Resignation is fair enough but it's not something you do in a day or even a week here.
Good luck