My name is Katharina Lytras, I was supposed to be flying back home to Melbourne Via Dubai from London Heathrow on Friday 17th August 18 at 22.15pm. Arriving on 19th August at 5.35am. I had notification very close to the time of departure that the flight EK0006 from london to Dubai was delayed and would be leaving at 23.59. I was concerned that this would be a problem with my connecting flight to melbourne. Flight EK0406. I was then messaged and advised that my flight was moved and I was now on a flight on 19th August at 2.40. This meant staying the night in Dubai. And being extremely delayed. I rang and eventually after talking to one of the customer service reps was put through to Alistair Trodden the supervisor. This new flight would have meant I would be arriving in melbourne on Sunday night at 21.50- I would be arriving home after midnight at best. With a business meeting the next day planned where I was giving a presentation I was not happy and asked repeatedly how this could be improved. And at the very least given an upgrade seat where I could sleep. To put things into context I had also been in london for a family emergency for 2 weeks- my father was in Intensive Care and was seriously ill and had to have an emergency operation after losing many pints of blood. We had also been told on the friday I was to fly that he has Bone marrow Cancer. I did not want to stay the night in dubai as it would be a longer journey and Alistair put me on a flight the next day as there were no other alternatives available. I asked repeatedly if there was a way I could arrive earlier on the Sunday. I had deliberately chosen this flight so I could have at least 1 day of rest to get over jet lag before my presentation the next day. When this was not an option I asked repeatedly how they could make the journey more comfortable so I would be able to at least sleep on the plane. Apparently an upgrade was not something Alistair could authorise and he said I needed to talk to some one at check in... I spoke to many different staff, check in- told me I needed to speak to a supervisor then the Duty manager- nowhere to be seen, then told to talk to someone at the gate. Then told I would need to speak to them at Dubai gate. At the Dubai gate I was told I needed to speak to the Supervisor. I spoke to a total of 7 people and was sent on a wild goose chase and a real run around. Getting more and more frustrated. In Dubai they said they couldn't do anything. Alistair had put me on a seat next to an infant who cried for most of the journey back. There were at least 4 babies in the area of the plane I was seated in, As you can imagine I had no sleep at all. I was exhausted felt upset and uncared for. I have always loved flying with Emirates which I have done often when I am going back to Europe. I was about to get an emirates card as the check in staff told me that as I fly so often with you that a Qantas frequent flyer card was not beneficial for points. This was the 2nd flight I had taken this year to Europe. I had deliberately chosen this flight as it was the shorted lay over and the quickest for the dates returning. I have been so disappointed and frustrated. 17 hours delay is really not acceptable. It impacted my family who are already distressed and were taking me to the airport. It impacted my work- being exhausted and not performing at my best and has left me feeling hugely disappointed with Emirates. I don't know how i can justify flying with your airline again after this. I am flying to London for Xmas and now very much doubting flying with you. Please advise your comments.