They currently train foreign students at their own flight training school though these are not sponsored by Emirates, this is the first I've heard about any such plans. Not totally unheard of since Cathay Pacific did open their scheme to international applicants for quite a while and that was by many accounts a very good programme. I think Etihad did one too then shelved it.
If Emirates are having trouble recruiting and/or keeping experienced ex-pats then they may need to open up a cadet programme for international folk, whether this would involve the good terms for UAE nationals being available to foreigners I don't know?
Of course, pure speculation at the moment.