Budget, budget, budget!!! That's a fact of life anywhere. I don't see too many EK pilots or their families begging in the streets of Dubai but on the flipside, I do see many EK families (you soon learn to spot them) hanging out at the usual cafes and beach clubs etc. Flown with many new pilots and many of them have sponsored a helper (as its illegal to cross employ one), got a big 4x4 (a necessary move), fitted out the home with new furniture and that big LCD TV plus cannot wait to buy that new boat or motorbike. Its a pretty safe place, EK provides a place to live, medical, schooling, cheap cars and a job for life , if you want it. As much as I see many downsides to the current Dubai, the salary pays the bills and we just have to learn to budget and get on with it. Those who whinge will never be happy anywhere anyway.