Don't know if your theory will prove correct going forward but historically EK's salary package has never been stellar when compared with with other expat jobs abroad
Dumb,
You know, I'm as skeptical about a "pilot shortage" as the next guy, but if you take a 1000 yard stare at the pilot workforce right now, if there is ever going to be a shortage it's coming in about 5 years.
First you have the military both here and abroad minting and training far less pilots than even a decade ago. The Navy used to put through around 1000 pilots a year just 20 years ago, this years output will be closer to 400 when said and done. Those pilots are also less apt to leave the military for the airlines than ever before because with bonuses and pay, they probably make more.
Second, you have a generation of RJ pilots that are at the top of their lists, both here and abroad and they are going anywhere. The younger RJ pilots will be there, but many have left this career field and the puppy mills aren't attracting as they used to.
Basically by the time EK takes delivery of these jets, majors around the world will be retiring pilots enmasse, someone will fly planes. The only way the EK will be able to compete will be to offer something that is above what is here or in Europe, or the Far East. So far, a shinking industry has helped, but in the future, unless they can train the Indians to fly their planes (what the heh, they do everything else in UAE) they will have to increase pay and bennies to compete.
Best of luck, I don't plan on commuting to the middle east to fly anyone's plane. There is a reason that no one wants to live there.
Luv