In order of priority:
1. Emirates
Pros:
Emirates has been there for 2 decades, a mature and well structured company, a making money by spending more money kind of company. One of the world’s leading airlines. If you come from big airline you want this type of organization. Good career path ahead, type rating will be provided. Dubai is an interesting city to live in. Out of the world kinda city. Wanna fly A380? Maybe the only airline will give you the chance.
Cons:
You're just another number. You better not be a DEC. Dubai getting expensive every day and the roads regularly turned into car parks.
2. Qatar
Pros:
Another airline with massive expansion plan. One of the five star rated airlines (only four in the world, Emirates only rated a 4 star). Not as organized as Emirates but you’ll manage. Good prospect for career path. DECs are still welcome and type rating will be provided. If you come from a medium size airline, Qatar will be more than acceptable to you. A city which is good for family life. Nice friendly people.
Cons:
Skyrocketing rental with very limited supply of accommodation. You work more for the same money compare to the other 2. Small2 things which nothing you can’t handle.
3. Etihad Airways
Pros: Very well funded airline among the 3. Fast growing airline with only 2 years of experience. You’ll grow with the airline and be one of the pioneers building the airline from the beginning.
If you do your math correctly, you may find you’ll get more cash compare to the other 2. Abu Dhabi is still a nice quiet city for raising a family. Very well equipped jetliner, one of the best.
Cons: Like Qatar, Etihad is facing their own kind of problem with housing. Need more time to be a well organized company. Type rating not provided. Unclear company objective.
Whichever you decide, it is your expectation that really matters. If your expectation is high, be prepared to be disappointed at door step. Depending on where you come from, don’t expect a great lifestyle here. Make your money, pack up and go home. The good thing about this place is, you can have your family with you and enjoy the benefits provided. If you have a young family, it is highly recommended.
Gulf Air is in the downslope trend but they'll survive and maybe with flying colors. The book is still in red.Has been in the industry for 5 decades. Good money and good city to live in. A lot of happy pilot in GF.
These airlines (other than Gulf Air) will provide you a better job security if that what you looking for. If the economy go south, you probably see they'll be the only airline expanding where others are downsizing.
These are all good airlines. Unless you are into office politics, you'll find it nice to work with. Is the same everywhere. Do your own homework of what you'll get and what you won't get from them.