Well with their current training program and pace, They cannot make it in ten years also. 20 777 captains retiring this month. The whole fleet transfer concept of upgrade training is going to take plenty of time. Plus the Gaca is really having a hold on the airline and not the other way around. It's just a press statement. At the most they can eliminate all the FOs but not captains for sure. A 777 FO will have to spend considerable time in training in 320 left seat then again 777 left seat to be a 777 captain. It'snt like EK or QR. Eventually they will achieve it but it's going to take a very long time. But for now they done seem to be prepared for the expansion. It's a chaos.
@Skull: Locals do it. They have homes in IST,DXB,BAH etc. As an expat it'll be difficult to obtain resident permit. Even if you do it'll be harder to commute. But It can be done.