If EY want to achieve long term expansion plans and become a global airline like EK they have to solve serious problems like housing. The simple truth is that if crews or their families are not happy they will leave.
If they invest in the construction of a large Etihad compound with 500-700 villas it will in the longrun prove to be cost effective, keep families happy, avoid local landlords blackmailing the airline and become a huge asset for the company.
All that is required is some vision and forward planning.