Blackstone has committed $250 million to Advanced Digital Gaming Technology, valuing the Abu Dhabi-based payments and compliance platform at approximately $1 billion. The investment represents one of the first major private equity deals into the United Arab Emirates since regional tensions escalated following the Iran conflict, according to Bloomberg.

The platform focuses on building infrastructure for regulated digital markets, including gaming, positioning it to benefit from new regulatory frameworks emerging across the region. This transaction reflects Blackstone's broader strategy to expand its presence in the Gulf, where private equity firms are increasingly targeting high-growth sectors such as technology and digital infrastructure.

The move comes as firms including KKR, Carlyle, and Bain Capital continue to scale operations in the region, seeking opportunities linked to privatisation programmes and economic diversification. Blackstone highlighted the UAE's long-term growth potential, citing strengths in technology, travel, and leisure as key drivers of investment.