Guess everyone out there has gone off early for the weekend.
As I said, many new desirable areas have emerged since I was there, so someone will need to comment on these.
There are various drivers for choice, At that time, the idea was to be near JESS, the English Junior School, and Jumeirah was well thought of. Just to show you how things have changed, when I was there in the 80s, there were still parts where the route from the main road to the villas was unmade, e.g.sand! You needed to note this when looking. The infrastructure is vastly improved now!
Some villas/apartments are in blocks around a communal pool or pools, these are quite good for families, but not necessarily for singles!
Most of our "singles" took up in the "Golden Sands" or "Silver Sands" apartments, or the Trade Centre apartments. These were both furnished and offered short lets, otherwise you are stuck with an annual minimum term. I see that the Golden Sands is still going -
http://www.goldensandsdubai.com/ but seems to be concentrating on the leisure market.
Hope you find what you want. I am hoping to go out again this summer, when you can get a week in a 5*, including flights, for £399. Who cares if it is 45C!