UPSC Prelims 2007 Q3: Current Affairs – International Organisations & Groupings
Where are the headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) located?
- (a) Dubai
- (b) Jeddah
- (c) Islamabad
- (d) Ankara
Answer: (b) Jeddah
Explanation
Headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC)
| City | Correct? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | No | UAE commercial hub, not an organisation seat |
| Jeddah | Yes | OIC Secretariat's actual seat since 1969 |
| Islamabad | No | Pakistan's capital, not the OIC's seat |
| Ankara | No | Turkey's capital, not the OIC's seat |
The OIC (now the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) has its headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — a "temporary" arrangement that has persisted since 1969, pending the "liberation" of Jerusalem, its intended permanent seat.
Answer: (b) Jeddah.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Dubai is a UAE commercial hub, not the OIC's seat.
- (b) CORRECT. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia hosts the OIC Secretariat.
- (c) Incorrect. Islamabad hosts no major OIC headquarters.
- (d) Incorrect. Ankara is Turkey's capital, not the OIC's seat.
Key point
The OIC's headquarters is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Remember
OIC headquarters: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the OIC is headquartered in a political capital city rather than Jeddah.
- Confusing OIC with the Arab League, headquartered in Cairo.
- Not knowing Jeddah is a temporary seat pending Jerusalem's "liberation".
Exam tip
OIC headquarters = Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), not a capital city.
Sources
- Organisation of Islamic Cooperation — Charter of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (2008)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Organisation of Islamic Cooperation