Good initiative for OTD, the first wave.
This emphasis on the First Wave assisting is an effective step in achieving OTDs.
Lets hope the pax are informed that EK will no long wait if late at the gate.
They and Slots are the reason why A/C depart late in the morning.
Another fix would be increased flexibility with departure slots through Muscat. More airways through the MCT FIR may avoid the 7 min in trail departures out of DXB to the same FIR entry point.