Just returned from a BKK-DXB-JFK-DXB-BKK X mas trip in C and all I can say I was not impressed with EK compared to my similar QR experiences . Why ?
1) Out of our 4 EK flights, 2 were late by more than 1.5 hours.
2) Service was hopelessly slow and frankly lacklustre .
3) Food is much better on QR in C . No comparison whatsoever .
4) DXB is a big (mess)
5) The C seats on the A 380 are simply horrible. Too narrow and way too short for a 6.1 guy like me
6) None of my daughter's child meal requests were honoured .

I think there are pro's and cons with both airlines in C/J.

QR Positives

1. Seat very comfortable, but depends on what aircraft turns up
2. Food in business class first class
3. Lounge in Doha excellent
4. Crew attentive from europe via Doha
5. Business Class 2x2x2 gives a spacious experience

QR Disadvantage

1. Often change their planes 2 weeks before departure i.e. 777 to 330
2. Bump people off flights without notice
3. Ground Crew are terrible
4. Difficult to contact/change flights
5. Less attentive outside europe
6. Entertainment system difficult to use on 777
7. Entertainment system not extensive

EK Advantages

1. Staff attentive
2. EK Lounges except Dubai are excellent
3, ICE best entertainment system in the air
4. Bar at the back on A380 excellent
5. Good selection of wines

EK Disadvantage

1. Seat tight,EK need to drop arms electronically to give a more spacious feel
2. Business Class 777 2x3x2 layout makes cabin feel very small.
3. Starters and dessert excellent, but main course often poor.
4. Bus Seat on 777 does not extend out far enough in cradle position.
5. Dubai lounge not good in the mornings, not enough seats/toilets,
6. Lack control at gate
7. A380 service very slow, need more staff on full business flights

So for me QR in the air wins hands down, but i will stick with EK for now until QR ground services improve.

Agree that there are pros and cons, but IMHO, EK will always for the moment edge it over QR.

Have you thought about giving EY a whirl?

I tried EY , service and food were pretty good, but the C seats are the same as the EK C seats on the A 380 . Just not designed for a guy like me .

I agree with lightyear40 . Both airlines have their pros and cons; I generally prefer EK, though an exception is if you get the QR 777 in C, which is an outstanding experience -- and they run the 777 to both BKK and JFK.

I have been lucky to never have significant delays with either airline, except for EK's morning flights to DOH, which I take all the time and which are very often half an hour late (I was an hour late last week).

Even though the transit in EK entails long walks, I prefer it over QR. I just don't see what's so great about the premium terminal -- I prefer the EK lounges, service, and, if I have any length of time to kill in transit, the DXB airport overall.