Devil's advocate...
What if said interviews are not for DXB basing at all? What if they're fishing for interest in foreign-based positions? If EK are as aggro a boss as some imply they may not need to offer such slots for the relocation of their existing expats; just fill basings on J*+1% conditions with new hires perhaps? Any takers? Time will tell.
ps Absolutely NO inside knowledge to back up this rumour!!!