Also NB that the $ has broken the $2/£ resistance barrier which has seriously eroded the pay in relation to the UK and European currencies. They will tell you about 'ERP', exchange rate protection, those of us in EK who have seen the rates reduce pay 20-30% will tell you that it simply doesn't protect... and the $s slide will continue.
This is the main reason those for example from South America are happy (at the moment) and joining and those from Europe are unhappy and leaving.
This not only effects your pay packet but also your provident fund. For example: 6 years, 3 as F/O, 3 as captain, with max AVCs approx value $110,000. 2001 value £80,000 (5.1 UAE/£). Value 2007 £56,000 (7.1/£). This is supposed to be a pension scheme.
You will also consider renting out your property whilst in Dubai. Be careful again as sending money home to pay the management charges or the full mortgage when it is vacant has led more than a few to sell up.
Remember, the road show will tell you want you want to hear. If EK is good at anything its marketing... don't get taken in... take the time to research EK thoroughly before you make any decisions. There is more information than there ever was to make a more informed decision and not make the mistake I did.
Take the free ticket, have a holiday in Dubai and look behind the scenes. You won't have too look that hard to see that all that glitters is not gold.