Indeed, certain "pressures" have been used in an attempt to buy Emirates some leverage. A recent story in Canadian media gives a slightly different perspective.
UAE talks jeopardize Canada's Mideast base
From the article:
But it seems Emirates' efforts have gained the support of the UAE governments as well, who are now leveraging Canada's base in the Middle East as a pawn in the dispute. Ottawa has known about the ultimatum since December, when staff from International Trade, Foreign Affairs, the Department of Defence and Transport Canada were made aware of the situation....
It is not the first time the UAE has used Camp Mirage as a pawn in its talks with Ottawa. And like previous failed efforts during the Chretien administration, the Harper government is expected to react as coolly, the government source said.
"This government does not respond well to having a gun pointed at its head."