investing in Dubai
I would follow DuBuy's advice and wait - take your time and don't jump into anything! The closer you wait till summer the better as prices will continue to decline - irrespective of what hype you may read in the media.
The first thing you need to do is to source a good, professional attorney. There is a lot of red tape connected to the transaction and you need to protect yourself and your investment - especially as it relates to the proper documentation and filings.
Insofar as location goes - yes, International City is cheap and can easily be rented but you run a risk as an absentee owner - namely - some agent filling your studio with 6-8 low wage construction workers and trashing your place. (this has happened many times!) In addition, it's not a desirable location you'd want to live in. Drive around the complex at night and see for yourself.
The Marina or the Jumeriah Lake Towers is far more preferable and offer good value for your money. The Greens is also good and highly desirable. Old Town is one of the best locations and the values have dropped by 50% + - great location and Dubai prime but, there are many vacancies there - so you need to determine how rentable the property will be.
ALSO - VERY IMPORTANT! - you need to check the 'maintenance' charges - the yearly re-occurring fees - which in some cases are a total rip-off. One of the problems with Old Town is that these fee's are the highest in Dubai. (Not sure if the owners formed an association to take control and reduce them yet) In Old Town - the yearly maint/ fee's for a small one bedroom was AED 25,000 - per year - which certainly puts a dent in your rental income.
Opening up a bank account should not be an issue and HSBC is a good bet - avoid Standard Chartered - dreadful service and a nightmare.
good luck and TAKE YOUR TIME - plan to spend some time there and do your homework!