Speedy Comics Group: Taking Fans on the Ultimate Pop-Culture Journey

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 Comics can be found on the ground floor, with the store housing thousands of comic books – including rare back issues – as well grail collectibles and everything else geek. The store has welcomed a number of high-profile celebrities and artists since opening its doors six years ago, with various brand collaborations also taking place here.

Just last year, Speedy Comics hosted a Pokémon-themed event within Times Square Center, allowing people to come along and meet some of the voice artists behind the iconic franchise. Temporarily moving out of its store on the ground floor and playing host to these esteemed guests within the mall’s communal areas, Speedy Comics had tables set up with all kinds of collectibles, clothing, and merchandise, and welcomed shoppers from far and wide.

This is just one of many smaller events delivered by Speedy Comics under the ‘Pop-Up Con’ banner, with another example coming in late 2022, when the mall hosted Samantha Alleyne, the first-ever female stormtrooper. Samantha appeared as an uncredited extra across all five of Disney’s Star Wars movies, from The Force Awakens in 2015 through to The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. Her visit served as a teaser for the inaugural PopConME event.

“Hosting international celebrities and influencers at PopConME and through our Pop-Up Con events has strengthened our role as the gateway for pop culture in the Arab world”, beamed Rashed, who spearheaded these initiatives as part of his wider vision for the brand.

As this connotes, Rashed not only sets these bold targets for the business, he is also more than keen on achieving them. Yes, this is reflected across Speedy Comics Group’s numerous ventures, but also in the way that this acclaimed CEO manages both his team and his approach to working in this space more broadly. “I personally ensure that every team member feels part of something historic, whether it’s organising the largest Pokémon tournaments in the region or launching our new sub-brands like Speedy Gaming and PopCon ME.”

“My style has evolved from being execution-driven to being ecosystem-driven – creating opportunities for others, empowering young entrepreneurs, and elevating an entire industry in the process.”

Armed with his unwavering resolve, Rashed has had to guide Speedy Comics Group through a number of challenges to get to this point and realise its goal of being Dubai’s ultimate collectibles hub. These difficulties have spanned everything from distribution restrictions (such as securing store approvals for Konami for its OTS programme, which allows for exclusive benefits and access to run events related to its Yu-Gi-Oh! IP), as well as nurturing trust when it comes to authenticating items in an emerging region like the GCC.

Diving deeper into this, Rashed continued: “One major disadvantage for us has been scepticism – convincing international players that the Middle East market is ready for global-level collectibles and events. We overcame this simply by delivering results.” Be it hosting more than 50,000 people across its PopCon ME events or featuring in publications such as Rolling Stone MENA, Speedy Comics Groups has more than proven its worth.

However, as Rashed went on to tell us, all of this is just the beginning for the brand, and an exciting 12 months await with a number of plans in the pipeline. These include expanding HIT GCC’s submission centres across the region, so that people in countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can access these services. Another initiative will see the launch of the Emirati Grail Box, a regional-first series of mystery boxes to appease collectors.

Touching on the plans for his own career, Rashed said: “Personally, I aim to expand Speedy Comics Group and HIT GCC into global household names, all whilst mentoring the next generation of Arab entrepreneurs. I will also continue to address industry challenges by building strong global partnerships, investing in AI-driven solutions (like our HIT GCC grading), and expanding into new and strategic countries – like India and Pakistan.”

Given he has recently ranked as the top-rated CEO in the UAE and the fifth-highest globally by CEO Rankings, featured amongst Rolling Stone MENA’s list of the Ten Most Influential Entrepreneurs of 2025, and nurtured new partnerships with influencers and global artists (including Rick Fox, Leilani Shiu, Abdul Rozik, and Steve Aoki) the credibility and ambition embodied by Rashed at every turn make him the perfect person to continue to lead Speedy Comics Group as it embarks on this exciting new chapter of growth and innovation.

Fundamentally, the transformative impact in the UAE’s status as a hub for pop culture and fandom in recent years would not have happened without Rashed Al Farooq and Speedy Comics Group. With this CEO at the helm, Speedy Comics has served more than a million fans across its various avenues, sharing 100,000 collectibles and engaging with over 2,000 collectors. 52 exclusive releases underpin its standing, and the infinite possibilities the brand offers for people to explore, collect, and celebrate make it something truly special.

More information on all of the areas discussed above can be found using the relevant links listed below, and those in and around Dubai are cordially invited to visit Speedy Comics’ store in the Times Square Center, where they can immerse themselves in the one-of-a-kind ecosystem of geek that Speedy Comics Group has nurtured in this part of the world.