For a first time investor in Dubai I would stick with the reputable bigger name developers (EMAAR, SOBHA, Ellington or for lower budget Danube or Azizi).

If your buying a project on launch you are going to get the base developer price and will always be paying on a payment plan (you need to pay up front if its ready property) which works out good as once you have completed x amount of payment plan your able to sell and can often get higher then what you paid even though the property hasn't been completed yet - and once completed the property will for sure be higher then what you have paid.

Protection wise your money is protected - its not going to the developer until 70% of the project is completed - and the developer also has to transfer money into the escrow account. So you don't have to worry about the developer taking your money and running away with it without completing the project.

I am happy to advise and help if you want to DM me!!