There has always been a debate on the difference of living standards and ways of life between the twin emirates, Dubai and Sharjah. Its rather strange to see that the two emirates, being so close to each other, and sharing more than 50% population between work / residence, have so much contrast when it comes to lifestyles.

Having lived in both places, I noticed that as soon as you enter Sharjah, life seems to switch to slow motion.

Life is generally laid back in Sharjah as compared to Dubai, where the hustle bustle never cease to exist. This has had its impact on the government policies and procedures.

To quote my own experience, I had bought a used car last week and had to get it registered from Sharjah.
It took me 3 days due to no valid reason, although my friend was helping me out with the process (as I cant skip work)!

The 1st day, there was an issue that the insurance people needed to “see” the owner before they insure the car and the insurance forms had to be signed only in presence.
2nd day, when we went for the actual registration, only at the last counter were we told that they needed my picture before issuing the plates. Although we returned back to Muroor with the pics at 1130, they said it was too late and we will have to come the next day (Muroor timings are till 1300).
3rd day. The whole process took less than half an hour.

On the contrary, a close friend had the similar process done in less than 3 hours in Dubai.

On another incident, Etisalat Sharjah is not willing to accept my phone / internet application (duly signed) from my wife. They say I need to come in person and submit it over the counter!

I think there should be fair consistency in the procedures as mostly its the same population moving around to reduce time and cost of accomodation.