Full Forward.
EK has hired almost exclusively former captains, because of the fast lead-in time to command, and because the market is in their favour.
There is very very little chance that we will ever see DEC in EK. There is an accelerated command path, which might upgrade you 6 months faster. If you really want the job, do as us: Turn in your four stripes and enjoy living in Dubai. Command will come soon enough.