Bindair as they say the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
At this stage unfortunately for the boys at CX the grass looks greener in the ME.
Let's face is every airline has its problems with moral and working conditions. You will work hard at both and you will do your fair share of night duties at both.
The big difference is in the $$$. At CX the money for a new joiner without housing is not enough! So when you look at both airlines. They both have low moral, they both have tough rosters. EK has housing CX does not.
So I'm afraid to say but the Middle East airlines still look better than CX.
Ask your self this question. Would you join an airline in the Middle East if they did not offer housing, or how many pilots would be working in the UAE if you had to pay for your own accomodation?