I'm torn, what would you do in this case?

Countess, you have answered your own question. I would go for the shorter Transit times.

I do a lot of long hauls, and I hate sitting around at airports, for connections, I would pay the extra 350.

Some people who have not flown to save their lives, would tell you to take the saving and sit a round for 8 to 10 hours, not me Countess, been doing this for too long.

It's really up to you. Which is more important to you, extra spending money for your trip or avoiding long layovers?. Yes the long layovers can be boring but 350 Euros (appx $470 US) is a considerable bit of spending money.

Recently I chose the long layover to Belo Horizonte, Brazil (9 hours in one direction followed by a 9 1/2 hour flight, and 7 hours on the return) because the flights were remarkably cheap by almost $500 over the shorter layover times. I do have to add however, that I was not in a great financial position at the time so cost was foremost in my mind. They were two VERY long days! but at least I had enough to get by and have a little fun on my visit.

Meditate in the desert just like !

See the Mister Natural comic strip by Robert Crumb !

i think emirtates lets you stay in hotel for free

no need to spend the night at the airport