Actually max AB, airlines do a lot more than a quick logbook check when hiring flight crew.
Extensive background checks are the norm now, and indeed have been for sometime.
In addition, as EK has requested applications especially for training Captains, they may well do better hiring from outside, as comments here suggest the training department environment is less than ideal.
Either way, it would appear the these direct entry guys will be required in rather large numbers.
Maybe even pump up the salaries a bit for all at EK, which appear to be in need of inflation.
Have passed thru DXB for the last 25 years, and prices are definately not cheap anymore.