Blackstone ($BX) announced a $250 million investment in UAE-based Advanced Digital Gaming Technology (ADGT), marking the first private equity-backed inbound deal in the Gulf since the onset of the Iran conflict. The move comes as Blackstone’s estimated quarterly lobbying spending shows a sharp increase in 2025, coinciding with heightened geopolitical and regulatory focus on global payments, digital infrastructure, and cross-border capital flows.
- Blackstone invested $250 million into ADGT, a payments and data intelligence platform headquartered in Abu Dhabi.
- ADGT is focused on regulated digital markets, including gaming payments, compliance systems, and financial infrastructure.
- The deal is the first PE-backed inbound Gulf transaction since the Iran war began on February 28, disrupting energy markets, shipping, and air travel.
- ADGT was formed through a partnership with Raya Holding, NRT Technology, and Sightline Payments.
- Blackstone’s estimated lobbying spending surged from roughly ~$1.5M in 2023 and 2024 to ~$2M in 2025.
- Recent lobbying disclosures show activity around financial regulation, digital asset frameworks, cross-border investment policy, and international trade and sanctions compliance.
- The firm has also engaged on issues tied to payments infrastructure, data governance, and emerging market investment rules—areas directly relevant to ADGT’s operations.
- Blackstone manages approximately $1.3 trillion in assets and has prior investments in the UAE, including Property Finder.
Relevant Companies
- Blackstone ($BX) – Direct investor in ADGT and active in lobbying on financial regulation and global investment policy.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.
