I have no idea if this story is true, but there is one thing I do know. Every country, without exception, has skeletons in their closet. The UAE is a country that probably has more of them than most, and also stands to lose a lot more than Canada does if they become public knowledge.
The Emirates seems to have declared some sort of war on Canada over these landing slots. It simply isn't rational, which is another plank in the argument they are getting desperate.
Edit: Maybe in lieu of increased capacity to Canada the government can ship a bunch of Toronto phone books to the Emirates. I understand you can hit someone really hard with it and it won't leave any marks.
(AP) The UAE's highest judicial body says a man can beat his wife and young children as long as the beating leaves no physical marks.
UAE: Wife-Beating OK, Just Don't Leave Any Marks - CBS News