Technically you are not required to have a transit visa as per UAE entry requirements. However EY call center of India insists that economy class pax should apply for a transit visa if layover is 8 hrs or more. However pax travelling in J or F need not have to have a transit visa as they will have access to lounge to stay / eat / sleep.

It seems EY has asked its India ops to ensure Y class pax doesn't burden EY at AUH with STPC requests. Thats the reason for asking pax to obtain a visa at their own cost, get out of airport and look after themselves.

You could risk not applying for a visa (which could cost USD 70 and above) and take your chance. However EY may not allow you to board. Even if you manage to board, AUH is not a nice airport worth spending more than 2 hours at airside. My two cents.