Success! Got a phone call from the local Emirates office here in Dammam, Saudi Arabia who received my email request for a status match to EK Gold. I sent to sky rewards email generally and it was forwarded internally to the nearest Emirates office. I had a nice conversation with the gentlemen who asked me some questions about my job and title and travel habits. I bluntly told him I am done with GF air and I would like to switch to either EK, QR, etc. with EK being my first choice.

He said he is going to approve the request and I should have my card in 2-3 weeks. With only 50k needed a year for Gold and all next year to get it I should be fine to maintain both EK Gold and UA 1k. I will also see if EK Gold does for me what I hope.

We shall see but now I am going to seek out an experienced EK flyer to get the lowdown of the program who can answer my questions either via PM or over the phone. Thanks.