fightthepower
The responses you'll receive are likely to be subjective rather than objective as circumstances are different for each and everyone one of us. These emotive factors will undoubtedly be reflected in our personal views on EK and Dubai.
Firstly, the easy question to answer. Most of our colleagues are generally good company and professional and as already stated, rarely do you fly with the same crew twice. As in every airline, there is the odd exception!
Let's start with Dubai. It's a love it or hate it mentality. Even if you love it, you'll hate the driving. It is frustrating and dangerous with massive variation in standards and mainly young locals intent on killing themselves and anyone who might get in their way. Ignorance and arrogance in equal deadly measure. Alcohol is expensive but no more so than Scandinavia I'd imagine and actually cheap when you bundle it in with buffet offers in hotels. Then it becomes a good deal, especially with so many discounts available through either Emirates Platinum card or Emirates Pilots Club. these can offer anything from 10-50% off in restaurants, excluding weekends mainly. Weather is brutal in summer so outdoor activity from May through to end of September is very restrictive. Rest of year is generally good. Nice beaches with ongoing work to 'beautify' the coast and more facilities being added. Public transport improving all the time, metro (busy), tram, regular buses. Not sure how often CaptainChipotle uses them but they are efficient and cheap (far cheaper than London). Most importantly, Dubai is a safe city. You'll feel safe outside, anywhere and anytime, far more so than any other city I've been to except perhaps in Japan.
What about EK? It would take way too long to go into every detail but contrary to your post, the basics haven't really changed. Emirates is little different to any other airline out there and conditions are only ever going one way 'whilst' there is a surplus of supply. You will work hard. 3 of my last 4 years have resulted in over 900 hours pay. Rules will be pushed and interpreted to fit the program and admin issues can be tiresome. You'll deal with robots, morons and cultures so intent on furthering their own sycophantic desires that if they wobble their heads any more, they'll fall off. The Boeing will certainly take over the A330 type of flying but with 150 B777 in service /on order, there'll still be plenty of layovers too. The A380 is the flagship and will do mostly stateside and big destinations, such as London. However, make no mistake, this Company is a money making machine and will put the big bird where it makes the money. If India opens up it's seat quota, a 2 class 'Super' will be plying the route in no time. The B777X will be a game changer in fuel but will still be the workhorse. You will be on the Boeing when you start. Where you go after that is up to what policy is in force that particular day! Same for command, but 7 years is a ballpark.
What I do like is the variation of routes. Turnrounds, layovers, freighters (B777) and range of flying from simple 2 sector 40 minute Doha return to a 16hr San Francisco. 24hour layover to a 10 day cargo trip. As a single guy, this airline is difficult to beat for variety. As for accommodation, Meydan may well be the ultimate destination of all pilots but while you're single, an apartment will be offered. You'll be in this for some time I'd imagine. Unless you're prepared to rent some tiny grotto and save the allowance, do not rent. Always go with Company accommodation first, you can always change later if things get really bad. You can't do it in reverse. Better still, if you have some money to bring over, consider buying, even a small apartment. 200K euro would get you a 1 bed good area or 2 bed still in decent location. You'd get an additional $4000 a month to help pay that mortgage off. That's on top of the $8700 you'd be getting each month. (29,000 dhs basic plus 3000 flight pay). You do the maths. A single guy, clearing $12,700 a month....as a F/O. The Company will also put in 12% of your salary into the Provident fund each month, increasing to 15% after 10 years. You'll do 5%.
So, if it's for financial improvement, it's a no brainer, especially if you're single. However, don't make this move just for the money. It's a lifestyle change here and you become part of Dubai and EK. There is lot's to do here, it's what you make of it. Don't expect to come here and then wonder why you can't put on your boots and go for long trecks through fjords and mountains thick with pine trees. If you can accept that and the fact that there is an almost unlimited supply of pretty cabin crew prepared to keep you company, this may be the place for you.
Come out for a week and give it a try. You'll either love it or hate it!
Harry