I think that JOHNSONROD put it best with his last post. It is amazing what happens to you when you get here, your first couple of days exploring DXB make you relax and let your guard down because all you see around you is BK, Kentucky Fried, MAC, TGI Fridays and the list goes on and on but it is not home, not by a mile. Many of my fellow American friends here have left within the first couple of years or will be doing it within the first 5 at the latest. The main thing has to be your family, if your wife and kids like it here then halve the problem is taken care of, the other halve is how thick skinned are you? Again, I have no problem with the Emirati's, they seem like nice enough people, the problem is the Management at EK that lack any kind of respect for pilots, specially American pilots.
If you are young and single, this place is amazing for you, I would not hesitate one second coming out here, your life and experience will make up for any shortcomings you find.
If you are married, do not come out here unless your wife comes out with you and is willing to make the effort to enjoy herself and make it work for a minimum of 5 years. Out of my group of 17, 5 guys are now divorced or in the process of since coming out here 2 years ago, 2 have left the company back to the US. (one did a runner) but the others seem to be happy, specially the single guys living in the buildings with the Cabin Crew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
uba757