Any chance AA would let me do CDG-AUH/DWC-DOH-CAN-BKK? They let you route through DOH if you're going Europe-Asia but that's really only supposed to be if you're flying on QR for both segments.
ETA: Seems like there's no chance they'd let me do it.
For AA it is 2 separate awards Europe > Middle East.
Middle East > Asia.
As far as staying in AUH Hyatt Capital gate is a very nice hotel, cheaper then the PH especially if your going to be running around AUH/DXB and won't be spending to much time at the hotel.
I also once stayed at the Ibn Batuta hotel in Ibn Battuta which is close by to DWC, I found that on Priceline for $86 a night and it's a 5 star hotel, so check priceline for the Ibn Battuta area there is also a metro from Ibn Battuta to all the tourist attractions in DXB.