tend to agree with the above. In my humble opinion you are much better off in the right seat at EK than direct entry left seat at EY (unless you are joining the 777/340fleet @ EY). What little you give up in terms of pay you will more than make up for in quality of life. No point coming here to work yourself to death. What fleet are you planning to join? Hate to be a downer but you might want to reconsider. Once you are here in the ME they will not let you switch carriers. So choose wisely!! Your wife would almost certainly be happier in Dubai with all it has to offer (good and bad) than an apartment in Mussafah or a villa out in the middle of nowhere.