I was studying a news on the performance of Dubai real estate in the previous year, which stated that the rents in these fours areas, Dubai Marina , Downtown Dubai, Al Barsha, and The Greens showed higher level of stabilization. This indicates if recovery gains momentum in 2012, these areas would be the first to show tremendous increase in rents.
However, If would be at your position , I would have consider investing in Dubai Marina, since even in the bad times the prices of its properties showed minimal declines. If you invest in Dubai Marina, it would definitely be your wise decision.
If you have anything else to ask, please feel free to ask anytime!