IMHO elite benefits, reward options, and premium cabins are all better on the major carriers outside the US. the only negative i see is typically worse expiration policies.

with OP going from USA to DXB, id say EK or EY for status and their nonstops out of JFK would be things to consider.

Gnopps, youre saying unlimited upgrades on KE, AF, KL?? i cant seem to find anything regarding that on their US website.