PAN Card has been made compulsory for all NRI's starting from 2nd January 2008 as per the notice posted on Income Tax department of India and SEBI for making any financial transactions in India by Indian citizens or NRI's.
Read more about PAN here:
http://incometaxindia.gov.in/PAN/Overview.asp
http://www.sebi.gov.in/circulars/2006/mrdcir0132006.html
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/06/27/stories/2007062705601700.htm
PAN Card is now required to withdraw money from Indian banks, taking loan, process mutual fund, shares, investments, financial transactions or property buying or selling related matters, etc. in India.
Give me a call on 050-7085874, so that I can explain you more about it.
Process time for a PAN application is 30-45 days and completed PAN would be delivered by courier (Empost) in UAE. It is done as a service by JRG Securities in association with Unit Trust of India so that any NRI don't suffer while they return back on vaccation to India.