Yes, I've seen those horror stories too. I also put a deposit down on a 2 bedroomed apartment in JLT with Al Attar properties. I made a couple of instalments but had a bad feeling about the place.
Eventually I managed to get all of my money back, no interest though, but I was only too glad to be out of that so I was happy enough.
I don't believe they ever built that tower and Al Attar are no longer giving refunds. They won't have it to give, let's face it.
I was pointed to JBR by a friend who's cousin was vice-president of something to do with Dubai Properties.
He has always given me good advice and told me in no uncertain terms not to buy on the Palm when I considered it.
I think he said something about 'Terre Firma'
Continue to enjoy Dubai. It's a great place to be with the weather and all that. I spent a few years in Singapore when I was a kid and can remember the days spent by the pool while my dad had a few cold Tiger beers and talked SAFC to his Geordie mates