samca,
No, you can't bid for 5 days off in a row. The maximum is 4, and even then, it's not guaranteed that you would get them.
The bond for a type rated person is to cover the cost of converting your license and your 737 rating to a GCAA one. This requires a number of sims before completing your LST.
FZ invests a fair amount of money bringing you to Dubai and therefore they slap a $24,000 bond on type rated joiners. It is a bit steep, but thats the cost.
FZ expect you to at least complete your initial contract of 3 years, by which point there is no bond. Furthermore, under UAE law, you are entitled to an end of service benefit when you leave. This kicks in after 2 years. If you decide to leave FZ after 2 years, your end of service benefit should pay the remainder of your bond.
We have 600 pilots and growing. Many of us are rated and have had no issue paying this fee. Take it or leave it is the only advice I can give. This is the Middle East and it's their train set to do with as they like.