Training lasts for 18 months between UAE and Australia, Flight Dispatch sometimes welcomes those who couldn't achieve the program.
Yeah wasta system is a reality here, but much less than in Abu Dhabi.
A look at the Internal Vacancies on the intranet now clearly shows that more and more opportunities are tailored for UAE nationals only. It took time but the Gov is now well determined to empower emiratization.
I wouldn't bet on the EK cadet program unless you're damnly well connected.