BA have the better hard product - i.e. sleeper seats in C - but EK win hands down on the "frills" in my opinion.

Because the BA C cabins are so large (up to 70 seats) I feel it misses out on some of the exclusivity than premium products really should carry and you're just a number.

In my experience of EK, the crew seem to appreciate the fact that you've paid that bit more to fly up front (upgrades aren't easy to get like they are on US carriers) and look after you accordingly.

The food on EK whips BA's offerings - think 5 courses, maybe 3 options to start, 4 or 5 for the main etc. No question about "cheese OR dessert" - they expect you to have both! No pre-wrapped peanuts with drinks - think a few canapes on a proper plate (you get the idea).

EK have great amenity kits. They give you a limo at each end (for most airports, even on discounted fares). The EK lounge at DXB is way better than the BA terraces at Heathrow.

I'm assuming you'd be flying JFK-DXB nonstop which means you get the best planes (the EK A330's are a bit of a squash up front) but if EK have good fares, I'd say go with them!