Let $\mathbb F$ denote a field, and fix a nonzero $q\in\mathbb F$ such that $q^4\not=1$. The universal Askey-Wilson algebra $��_q$ is the associative $\mathbb F$-algebra defined by generators and relations in the following way. The generators are $A$, $B$, $C$. The relations assert that each of $A+\frac{qBC-q^{-1}CB}{q^2-q^{-2}}$, $B+\frac{qCA-q^{-1}AC}{q^2-q^{-2}}$, $C+\frac{qAB-q^{-1}BA}{q^2-q^{-2}}$ is central in $��_q$. The universal DAHA $\hat H_q$ of type $(C_1^\vee,C_1)$ is the associative $\mathbb F$-algebra defined by generators $\lbrace t^{\pm1}_i\rbrace_{i=0}^3$ and relations (i) $t_i t^{-1}_i=t^{-1}_i t_i=1$; (ii) $t_i+t^{-1}_i$ is central; (iii) $t_0t_1t_2t_3=q^{-1}$. We display an injection of $\mathbb F$-algebras $��:��_q\to\hat H_q$ that sends $A\mapsto t_1t_0+(t_1t_0)^{-1}$, $B\mapsto t_3t_0+(t_3t_0)^{-1}$, $C\mapsto t_2t_0+(t_2t_0)^{-1}$. For the map $��$ we compute the image of the three central elements mentioned above. The algebra $��_q$ has another central element of interest, called the Casimir element $��$. We compute the image of $��$ under $��$. We describe how the Artin braid group $B_3$ acts on $��_q$ and $\hat H_q$ as a group of automorphisms. We show that $��$ commutes with these $B_3$ actions. Some related results are obtained.