EZ, no real surprises. I suspect you are correct in that AAR is not acting alone. Amazing how EK is a government airline when they want to be, but have nothing to do with the government when it is more convenient for them.
guybrush, those were the salary increases the UAE government in AD decreed for government workers, and recommended for other businesses in the UAE. Rents have already increased in response. Witness the latest group of pilots given 2 weeks notice to leave their housing as EK won't pay the rent increase on their villas.