Maybe with VAT it's possible?
I think the main reason EK steadfastly refused the idea of Basings has been the top-down imperative to keep all the money swirling around in the UAE. However three factors may be at play to give some traction to this rumor:
VAT will help to stem the tide of money lost to expatriation, and may allow a shift in attitude about controlling the leakage
Pilot shortage undoubtedly continues unabated
and
The successful experimental selling of days off to Freighter crews in exchange for 15% of their salaries may have gained some traction.
Perhaps EK will try to sell basings to the crews for a cost of some percentage of their wages or the elimination of housing allowance option to externally based crews, thereby saving money for the Company?
I'm normally a naysayer to such rumors, and have no basis in fact for supporting this one but the ideas above give some pause for thought.