# Dubai in 72 Hours: Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Marina & Desert Safari by Metro

By Prashant & Sunaina · 4 July 2025 · https://www.psvlogs.in/blog/dubai-3-day-itinerary

> Our 3-day Dubai plan using a 7-day unlimited Nol card: Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, metro + tram + monorail to Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah, Marina beach, and a desert safari with quad bikes and dune bashing.

Three days, one Nol card, and the big Dubai hits: **Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and a desert safari**.

Watch the vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQu9FhHgrzk

## First thing: get a Nol card
As soon as we landed we bought a **7-day unlimited Nol card**. It covers the **metro, buses, tram and abra (boat) rides**, so we used taxis only for the airport and Global Village. Base your hotel near a metro station.

## Day 1: Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall
It was Prashant's third time in Dubai, and this place still never disappoints. Sit by the fountain and just take in the view. Then explore **Dubai Mall**, try some food, and do the Instagram clicks.

## Day 2: Palm Jumeirah & Dubai Marina
Getting to the Palm takes **three changes: metro → tram → monorail**.

1. Take the **metro to Sobha Realty**.
2. Cross the bridge to the **Al Sufouh tram station**. Trams run frequently, and **the Nol card works here too**.
3. Ride the tram to **Palm Jumeirah (Nakheel Mall) station** and follow the signs to the **monorail**. **The monorail isn't covered by Nol**, so buy that ticket separately.
4. The monorail drops you at **Atlantis The Palm**.

**At Atlantis:** it's like a mall inside, with shops, brands and restaurants. Its two big activities are **The Lost Chambers Aquarium** (about ₹2,900 per adult on Klook) and the **water park**. We skipped the aquarium because we'd already booked SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and spent time on the beach side instead. Staying at Atlantis is pricey, roughly **35–40K a night even in the off-season**.

Then take the monorail back, the tram to **Jumeirah Beach Residence 2**, and a short walk to **Marina beach**. It has a totally different vibe. End with a wander around **Dubai Marina**.

## Day 3: Desert safari
We booked the cheapest option we found, **on Agoda**. A car picked us up from the hotel at **2 pm**.

- A drive of about **1.5–2 hours** to the first stop: **quad biking**, with about 30–45 minutes to play.
- **Dune bashing** for about 20 minutes. Thrilling!
- In the evening, a **traditional desert camp** with **belly dance and tanoura dance**, and a **BBQ dinner** included in the package.

More Dubai: [Al Seef & abra ride](https://www.psvlogs.in/blog/al-seef-old-dubai-abra-ride) · [Museum of the Future](https://www.psvlogs.in/blog/museum-of-the-future-dubai-review) · [Global Village](https://www.psvlogs.in/blog/dubai-global-village-guide).

## FAQs

**How do I get to Palm Jumeirah by public transport?**
Metro to Sobha Realty, cross the bridge to Al Sufouh tram station, tram to Palm Jumeirah (Nakheel), then the monorail to Atlantis. The Nol card covers metro and tram; the monorail is a separate ticket.

**Is the Nol card worth it in Dubai?**
For us, yes. A 7-day unlimited Nol pass covered metro, buses, tram and abra rides, so we barely used taxis.

**What does a Dubai desert safari include?**
Ours (booked on Agoda) had hotel pickup at 2 pm, 30–45 minutes of quad biking, about 20 minutes of dune bashing, then a desert camp with belly dance, tanoura dance and a BBQ dinner.