typical thread at pprune.org by current flyers for EK:
Your assumption of 80hours probably indicates that you have little idea of what is to come. Work on 95 minimum but then take away the following hidden charges.
Medical – yes you pay
Provident fund – yes you contribute and its compulsory
Telephone charges – outrageously expensive and is deducted from your pay
Fines for missed appointment at the clinic
Emirates national ID (compulsory and you pay)
Top up beer money at many destinations as allowances rarely cover proper meals let alone a few beers, in some places we get no allowances at all)
Very expensive visa charges for maids and helpers (don't need one, well lets see after you arrive when you misses has to spend 3 hours in traffic everyday taking kids to school and doing admin.)
As for the furloughed guy asking about EK it largely depends on if your prepared to jump the bond. If you think you may need to return to the UAE in the future then jumping the bond is probably not an option and you'll be stuck for 3 years, after that they have 3 years worth of your provident fund should you decide to walk without paying your bills
If you think your not likely to come back later you could give it a try, get the training, and experience, then if you don't like it take a page out of the emirates school of management and don't honor your contract, and do a runner.(like many have before you) .
To any prospective employee the following have been done to death so listen, learn, and don't ask about them later.
Don't come here expecting to get commuting rosters..its not going to happen,
Don't come here expecting to get off shore bases..its not going to happen,
Don't come here expecting to bid flights to get home..its not going to happen the bidding systems a joke,
Don't come here expecting to save money because there's no tax and everything is free and provided by the company..its not going to happen, as an FO with kids you'll barely make ends meet
Don't come here expecting to bid and fly long haul and get 18 days off a month..its not going to happen, they have bidding restrictions, and days off restrictions to make sure it doesn't happen.
Don't come here expecting to get use of the jump seat to get too or from home ..its not going to happen (crew are not permitted to use the jump seat for this purpose)
Don't come here expecting your contract not to change..it will change, and usually for the worse,
Don't come here talking about unions, associations and the like, you'll be on the first fight out of here,
Don't come here expecting to get your contracted 3 percent pay increment..we didn't get it last year, and its unlikely we'll get it this year.
Be aware that as far as the Arab locals here are concerned you are a slave just like the maids, drivers, ditch diggers, and ass wipers, who make up 97 percent of Dubai's population, and 83 percent of the UAEs, and if you are not prepared to accept that, don't come.