Not being a pub-crawler ... on the hotel side of things, may I suggest the Jumeirah at the Etihad Towers? It's across the road from the Emirates Palace. Both have simply over the top restaurants and lounges, and the Palace is right on the water. Either property is about 35 minutes from AUH.

As OP have mentioned, the room rates are often subsidized; the (slightly) upgraded king room category at the Jumeirah seems like a $700 a night room in Boston or New York, but it's $200 ++. And the food is fabulous, along with dramatic views of the waterfront. It's a terrific experience, IMO.

During the hottest weather, the rooms are usually completely free for F (3 nights) and J (2 nights).

As you may know, EY usually provides free car service to the hotels. The Grand Mosque tours are only in the daytimes AFAIK.