Andu I basically mean this:
EK say the 787 is too small, not enough seat for their needs.
Low and behold Airbus emerge with the A350 very soon after with more seat and similar range to the 787.
Doesn't take a rocket scientist to put these together. Also, EK being the single most largest customer for the A380 make its much more likely that Airbus will want to keep em sweet.