May I suggest an hour or two in the Middle East forum looking at the posts. There is a lot of negativity, however, there are many working for EK who are happy. Will depend on your current situation and lifestyle as some people hate it while others think it's paradise. If I had been living in certain parts of South America with gun crime and drugs out of control and a salary of 2000 US a month, i'd think it was paradise too. That's where many are coming from now and have been for the last year or so. With a weak dollar, your salary will be fine here but not much good in Europe / UK.
My own take on life here is generally good and the Company will look after you if there are health/ personal issues. Rules can and do change, however, and the current policy for upgrades is a mess. Apply, ask all the questions at interview that bother you most and spend several days in Dubai in your own time speaking to Pilots who've been here for at least a year or so. If married, it's a must to bring other half because happy wife = happy life! Schooling for your children will be to a good standard here ( normally 1 year ahead of UK ), cars and petrol cheap, rents crazy prices so take the Company provided accom. Pilot's club membership for family excellent value giving discounts and access to hotels / bars / clubs. Staff travel good but as F/o with family, one of you will travel down the back with kids which is poor considering status that's sold as 'management'. Future currently bright with many aircraft orders but less bright soon when the company finally realises we simply don't have enough pilots to fly them. Many trainers leaving or frustrated and everything here revolves obsessively around budgets and profit share. Benefit of previous training culture reduced considerably in the last 3-4 years ago as study is now done at home, in your own time. This compared to the past with very useful classroom days which are no more. Saves money but at what price long term I wonder. Short term greed for managers to increase their personal profit share? Most applicants now coming from corporate jobs and US regional etc. Suspect minimum experience requirements may soon be lowered / change. Not that I see that as a bad thing personally. It's the 'standard' of the applicant that's important. NOT his hours!
Much much more but i'm sure others will have their own take. As I said, some good/ some less so. Just don't mention the driving here!
Regards
BYMONEK