one caveat about AA is they don't award miles for taking BA between US and UK
+1
I will also be making frequent flights to the middle east this year and I've concluded that there is no perfect plan for me...looks like it will be *A to a hub, then BA from LHR to DXB. I've looked into BA's program and while certain aspects are nice I want a program where I will most benefit on my personal economy domestic flights. Also, with BA's fees on award travel, it's not a program I want to earn a lot of miles.