Lying to yourself pretending that it might not happen I guess is a way to tackle the bad news.
I rather go with preparing for it... Since it is now official and happening in less than 2 years.
If working conditions were already deteriorated to the worst in Emirates' 25+ years history, this news actually represent the end of one of the few benefits of working as an expat pilot in the UAE - tax free environment.
For those who aren't familiar with the UAE, prices in Dubai are already nowadays between 20% to 50% higher than those in western europe or US. I'm talking about food, clothes and basically everything you find in a mall. And this is now, before VAT becomes a reality!!!
With salaries lagging behind inflation for a decade, and working conditions deteriorating (including upgrade time now for new joiners around 10 years).. What reasons are left to choose to come to work here?
Just a word of advice, do your homework before you accept a job offer. Just my 2c.