CEO MONTHLY / DECEMBER 2025 9 Anyone who has ever collected anything knows that the items in their collection are more than just ‘things’, they tell stories, hold memories, and deserve to be displayed proudly. Helping collectors take their fandom – a term for the subculture of especially enthusiastic and dedicated fans – to the next level, Speedy Comics Group in Dubai specialises in everything from selling autographed collectibles to grading pieces and delivering events. Its CEO, Rashed Al Farooq, has been recognised here as the Most Influential CEO 2025 – Fandom & Collectibles Experience (UAE), and we caught up with him to find out more about this niche operation. Today, collecting is more popular and varied than ever. Gone are the days of collections being just coins and stamps – there is so much for people to connect relating to pop culture, from Funko POP! collectibles of their favourite characters to comic books, action figures, statues, replica items from movies and video games, and much more. However, the adjoining concept of fandom extends much deeper, encompassing everything from cosplay (dressing up as a character) to trading card games, making it super accessible. Some of the biggest fandoms in the world currently are for BTS (a K-pop boy band), Harry Potter, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Star Wars, anime, Minecraft, Star Trek, and Doctor Who. Many of these groups even have names, from famous ones such as ‘Trekkies’ (Star Trek) to the BTS ARMY (Adorable Reperesetnative M.C. for Youth). On a mission to redefine events, collectibles, and authentication in the MENA region, Speedy Comics Group nurtures a trusted ecosystem that allows collectors, fans, and brands to converge – all in the name of fandom. Made up of two distinct yet complementary elements – Speedy Comics and HIT Grading & Authentication (HIT GCC) – Speedy Comics Group was created by fans, for fans. Through its range of unique offerings, those passionate about pop culture in the UAE can immerse themselves in fandom’s finest. Speedy Comics leads the way in events, retail, and celebrity partnerships, whereas HIT GCC is setting the standard when it comes to AI-driven grading and authentication, not just in the UAE but on a global scale. Exploring this further, Speedy Comics Group’s CEO told us: “What makes us stand out is our regional-first approach: delivering services like on-site grading, large-scale conventions, and cultural partnerships that were previously only seen in the US, Japan, or Europe to collectors in the UAE and Middle East.” “My vision is to position UAE as the global hub for collectibles and pop culture – on par with the likes of Tokyo and Los Angeles.” Perhaps the best example of this is PopConME, the flagship comic convention in the UAE, that Speedy Comics Group runs. Following its inaugural event in 2022, PopCon ME returned last year, hosted in the iconic Skydive Dubai venue. A fantastic line-up of celebrities, artists, and brand collaborations defined the event, which saw thousands pack into one of the city’s premier event spaces over two days in February, enjoying everything from panoramic views to the unique opportunities to meet their heroes and get a treasured autograph. The impact that the first edition of this event had on the way the region is seen when it comes to fandom and collectibles cannot be understated, with more than 27,000 people attending and affirming the UAE as a pivotal spot for comic and pop-culture enthusiasts. With PopCon ME solidifying its status as being at the pinnacle of these types of gatherings, it should come as no surprise that the three-year period since has seen the community grow considerably, with more people than ever in the City of Gold embracing their inner ‘geek’. As you might expect, this has been fantastic for Speedy Comics Group’s CEO, with Rashed evolving the business and its numerous offerings one step ahead of the demand, ensuring he both blazes a trail and delivers something truly valuable for the collectors’ market in the UAE and beyond. Commenting on the specifics of his role, Rashed told us: “As CEO, I lead strategy, partnerships, investor relations, and brand vision across Speedy Comics Group’s multiple verticals.” These include PopConME, HIT GCC, and Speedy Comics. “My mantra is: ‘Legacy is built by making history first’. Every decision I make is guided by how it elevates our ecosystem, strengthens trust, and sets milestones in the vibrant comics and collectibles industry.” Like many great CEOs, Rashed’s journey began doing what he loved: collecting. As a passionate collector in his own right, this future CEO knew what it meant to be a part of this community, what was good about it, and – most importantly – what was missing. By focusing on these areas, especially the latter, Rashed was able to build Speedy Comics Group into the leading entity for all things related to pop culture in the Middle East. Especially rewarding was bridging global celebrities with local fans through the likes of PopConME. It was at this point that Rashed told us more about HIT GCC, the latest stage in his company’s development journey and a milestone when it comes to grading and authentication for collectibles. As the first operation of its kind in the UAE, HIT GCC prides itself on being something different – whilst also hitting the markers of speed, reliability, and affordability that collectors treasure, regardless of whereabouts in the world they are based. No longer do fans have to worry about the shipping headaches of sending their prized possessions away to be graded or authenticated, as HIT GCC has made this previously global process local. From comics and cards to all other sorts of memorabilia, everything will be graded safely and quickly, with its combination of expert graders and smart AI completing the process in just 15 days. Not only is this approach precise and reliable, but it is also reasonably priced, with a flat-rate grading system of just 55 AED per card. “Launching on-site grading for the first time in the Middle East was historic”, Rashed said, reflecting on the launch of these cutting-edge services just a short time ago. “It positioned us not just as participants, but as leaders in global grading innovation.” Pick-up and drop-off are also incredibly simple, with these being at Speedy Comics’ location in Dubai’s Times Square Center, a community-focused shopping mall with approximately 50 stores. Speedy
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