Clunck,
I know you pretty much get it from your last post, but I'll comment anyway.
I'd have to say times have changed in this part of the world since your time here. Talk to those from the bygone era and they loved it - comradery, grace, understanding, etc were very prevalent here as recently at 15 years ago. All this is now gone. It has been replaced by a large degree with greed, arrogance and a general level of management decay. The locals of this region are leapfrogging the expats, which I can understand to some degree, but when they're decisions are assinine and very detremental to the long term viability of the airline (and many other businesses here), it cannot be a good thing.
Our golden days are over in this part. It's all about managing your situation and staying below the radar as much as possible, as stated above. But - one day you may just be in that unfortunate situation that is largely outside of your control to which you and your family suffer the consequences. Welcome to the blame culture. Hey, I chose to come here and it is what it is. I do however feel at times like I'm rolling the dice a little just living in this part of the world.
So culture, understanding and holding onto the values that occured in your era are unfortunately not on the cards for us. We can try many routes to accomplish what you think, but trust me, those doors are slammed in our faces. Not that there is much of a door; more of a brick wall.
Come on down to Dubai on vacation some time. Feel the lack of love, the crumbling greed that has yet to turn to humility and the tiring souls living in this place.
CO
ps. My opinion on joining EK? Like many have said, if you're unemployed, think twice and maybe roll the dice. If you have a decent gig, stick with it as 75%+ that join this place either hate it or just regret coming.