1

Yes, 3 days is definitely enough time to cover the above itinerary, you won't have a problem. You could even squeeze it into 1 long day if you really wanted to, but 3 days will make it nice and relaxed. I would group the activities together based on their proximity to each other, as follows:

Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa & Mall of the Emirates (for skiiing) in 1 day.

Dubai Museum and Desert Safari in 1 day.

Skydive, Jumeirah Mosque & Burj Al Arab in 1 day.

2

I agree with dxb1969's advice.

Also, on the day you visit the Dubai Museum, you should have time to see a bit of the surrounding area of Bur Dubai and perhaps take an abra across the Creek to Deira.

3

Great - thank you both! I am able to shorten my trip to two full days if you think that would be better.

4

If you can afford to spend 3 days, then spend 3 days especially as the weather in Jan/Feb is generally good and depending how far you've flown, you may need to deal with jet lag. However, if saving either time or money is a consideration, then 2 days will allow you to cover it. Something like this:

Day 1:

Morning:: Museum & creek area
Afternoon: Mall of the Emirates (ski)
Late afternoon into the evening: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall & Aquarium

Day 2:

Morning: Skydive
Afternoon: Burj Al Arab & Jumeirah Mosque
Late afternoon into the evening: Desert Safari

A Big Bus Ticket can be a handy way of getting around and will stop at all the above places. Alternatively get an all day metro day pass and combine with taxis to places not served by the metro.

5

That Big Bus ticket is not cheap. Sure it's nice to pay a big lump sum then hop on/off for the day (well from about 9.20 - 17:30 or so) for no extra charge. But, using Metro/taxis, paying as you go, would work out better. Taxis are quite cheap compared to western prices too.

Although possible to theoretically squeeze it into one day if you are experienced in Dubai and know exactly where to go, at least 2 days is realistically required in my opinion. For instance, I have never been skydiving but imagine that the travel to/from the place, getting hooked up, going through safety, and doing it, would take half a day!

6

Don't forget to be at Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa in the evening after dark to see the fantastic fountain!

7

Seems like you can possibly squeeze all of this into 2 days, but if you still stick to the original 3-day plan, you may opt to have one dinner either at Dubai Marina or JBR The Walk and just stroll around after that! Another activity could be going to Wild Wadi or Aqua Venture Park @Atlantis. And I agree with Kali737, the fountain show is a must