You didn't stipulate how much money you have left after expenses in China.
quite alot almost 10 grand.
I am surprised you want to move to the Middle East to take a huge paycut and a downgrade.
It is about long term lifestyle. China has NO lifestyle, and polution is terrible and shortening my lifespan (no joke it is that bad) Paycut is an issue, but im looking at the overall package. for example pension fund is non existant here. Emirates puts away 15%
However if you love Dubai, EK would probably be a great move for you.
There is not lifestyle at all in China.
There isn't anything in the way of job protection, unions, etc.
I would say China is worse. They regularly take from the contracted conditions and there is no legal options to fight it and win.
Hotels are generally quite nice.
Chinese hotels are the worst.
You could probably get 5 days off in a row most months on the 777.
Thats what I want. I am currently confined to this place and can not escape even for a short while.
China is predicting the greatest pilot shortage going forward. I would bet that region will also be seeing the largest future pay increases.
Your right, there are commuting contracts now paying 16-17,000 a month, but you got nil job security and no quality of life.