duration of Emirates Gold status
 

I qualified for an Emirates Gold card in May 2010 and flew them again last month. I was surprised when the person who checked me in told me that i need to do another long-haul with them by May 2011 to re-qualify for Gold.

I fly a lot on Delta, Continental, Lufthansa and if you qualify for elite-status with them, they give it to you the year you qualify, and the next calendar year. Emirates however seems to be following a 12-month rule - since I qualified for Gold in May 2010, i need to re-qualify by May 2011 (and not December 2011 as I thought). Is this a mistake, or does Emirates really follow a 12 month cycle for Elite requalification for 1st timer's?

I believe you are right.
I have to check it but I believe Emirates use the 12 Months rule from the date that you achieve the gold status.

EK has a rolling 12 month cycle by the end of which you need to qualify, however your Gold card is valid 14 months from the month in which you earned it. So you need to requalify by May 2011, but your card would be valid till end July 2011. (It's written at the back of your Gold card)