Blackstone has invested $250m in Advanced Digital Gaming Technology (ADGT), a UAE-based payments and data intelligence platform, marking the first private equity-backed inbound deal in the Gulf since the onset of the Iran conflict, according to a report by Reuters citing market data.
The investment comes against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical uncertainty following the escalation of tensions in late February, which has disrupted air travel, shipping and energy markets across the region. Despite this, deal activity is continuing, with advisers and sponsors progressing transactions where possible.
ADGT was established through a partnership between Blackstone, Abu Dhabi-based Raya Holding, and technology providers NRT Technology and Sightline Payments. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the platform is focused on payments and compliance services for regulated digital markets.
The business will initially target deployments across the UAE, the wider Middle East and Africa, as well as select international corridors. It is positioned as a key payments and compliance provider to the UAE’s regulated commercial gaming sector.
Blackstone said it continues to see opportunities to deploy capital in the UAE despite near-term headwinds, with a focus on building scalable platforms capable of regional and global expansion.
