britexpat: That's what I thought, but I've noticed people recommending going to Al Wakra to avoid a possible failing of the inspection. I need to read through more posts on QL to get a better understanding of why Al Wakra is recommended.

I do have one experience from the UAE, where a certain mechanic/garage had special connections with particular inspectors at a particular inspection station and he was able to sell cars that would not otherwise pass inspection. So I can see how it is possible for inspectors to operate differently at different locations.