Dr. Rashed Mohammed Zubair Al Farooq has advanced to fourth place on the CEO Rankings global CEO of the Year leaderboard, following three significant strategic achievements: the merger of Speedy Comics Group and MEGA Grading Services, a strategic partnership in Saudi Arabia, and recognition in CEO Monthly. The accomplishments position Al Farooq among the world's top-performing business leaders.
The merger created HIT Grading & Authentication, which recently launched the Middle East's first same-day onsite card grading service at Quest for the Crown Vol. 1 in Dubai. The operation combines AI-driven authentication with expert evaluation, completing assessments within a single day—a significant departure from the weeks required by international competitors. "We are witnessing the dawn of a new chapter for collectibles in the Middle East," Al Farooq stated. "Our mission is to provide collectors with the same trust, access, and transparency that define the world's leading grading services."
Al Farooq's leadership extends beyond single-product focus to ecosystem development. Under his direction, Speedy Comics Group has served over one million customers and attracted more than 27,000 attendees to PopConME events since 2022. His strategic approach emphasizes removing market barriers while building sustainable competitive advantages, exemplified by HIT GCC's accessible flat-rate pricing model at 55 AED per card.
Looking ahead, Al Farooq plans to expand HIT GCC's submission centers throughout the Gulf region, with Saudi Arabia as an immediate priority. "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," he stated. Recent recognition as the top-rated UAE CEO and placement on Rolling Stone MENA's list of Ten Most Influential Entrepreneurs of 2025 validates his execution capability and strategic direction as the organization advances into new markets.
