sierraone
AH legend
Having flown in to and out of Dubai only once, I had to catch a bus from the terminal I arrived in to the one I was departing from. But both of the planes did pull up to a gate the best I remember. I have flown many times to western European airports where a bus had to pick us up planeside and take us to the terminal. For me, I don't see this as an issue since I have had to do so many times. Haven't been to Joberg as yet, but will find out in July!Having to go further east than you need to and stopping in Dubai is a bit of a drawback. As is the likelihood that you may not have a gate for the plane to stop at. This means you'll have to get on a bus and take a ride to the terminal. A ride that seems much longer than it should be from my one experience.
But those folks know how to run an airline. Service is amazing and friendly. The planes are noticeably cleaner than other airlines. And even if you were in coach, you'd be overfed with food by airline standards is quite good. If you can schedule to keep your layover to no more than 3 hours, I think all and all you'll prefer Emirates.