Blackstone Invests $250M in ADGT: UAE-Based Payments & Data Platform

Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, is deepening its commitment to the United Arab Emirates with a $250 million investment in Advanced Digital Gaming Technology (ADGT), a newly formed payments and data intelligence platform. The investment, announced March 26, 2026, underscores growing interest in the UAE as a hub for financial technology and regulated digital infrastructure. ADGT was established through a strategic partnership involving Blackstone, Abu Dhabi-based Raya Holding, and technology firms NRT Technology and Sightline Payments.

A Novel Payments Standard from Abu Dhabi

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, ADGT aims to become a leading provider of payments and compliance technology, initially focusing on the UAE, the broader Middle East, and Africa, with plans for expansion into select international markets. The company currently holds the unique position of being the sole licensed platform in the UAE capable of directly contracting with both land-based and online gaming venues, offering a unified experience for consumers and operators. This first-mover advantage positions ADGT to capitalize on the projected rapid growth of the regulated gaming market in the region.

Michael Dominelli, CEO of ADGT, stated the company was “created in the UAE from the ground up to serve as a new global standard for financial payments technology.” He emphasized the platform’s resilience and scalability, built upon modern infrastructure and a robust regulatory framework. The backing of Blackstone, Raya Holding, and the technology partnerships, he believes, provides the scale and credibility needed for global success.

Blackstone’s Expanding Footprint in the GCC

This investment builds on Blackstone’s existing presence in the UAE, dating back to 2010. The firm has already committed capital to GLIDE, a pan-GCC logistics platform developed in partnership with Lunate, as reported in October 2025 (Blackstone News), and Property Finder, a leading UAE real estate marketplace. Jon Gray, President and Chief Operating Officer of Blackstone, highlighted the firm’s confidence in the UAE’s ability to foster companies with both domestic and international growth potential, even amidst broader economic challenges. Blackstone currently manages approximately $1.3 trillion in assets globally, spanning real estate, private equity, credit, infrastructure, and other investment strategies (Blackstone website).

Raya Holding and the Vision for Fintech Leadership

Raya Holding, led by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is playing a key role in driving the UAE’s ambition to become a leader in next-generation financial technology. The firm focuses on building and scaling strategic platforms across high-growth sectors, including fintech, digital infrastructure, and consumer markets. According to Sheikh Mohammed, ADGT exemplifies the UAE’s progressive regulatory environment and institutional support, creating a fertile ground for global technology platforms to flourish. The partnership with Blackstone and the integration of technology from NRT Technology and Sightline Payments are intended to establish a new benchmark for regulated payments infrastructure.

How ADGT’s Technology Works

ADGT’s platform is designed for national-scale deployments and cross-border interoperability, adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes. It integrates a range of features, including digital wallets, real-time funding and payout rails, identity and access management, compliance monitoring, and both closed-loop and open-loop ecosystem controls. This comprehensive approach aims to support both on-property transactions and digital engagement, offering a seamless experience for users and operators. The platform’s interoperability is a key differentiator, allowing for a unified system across various gaming channels.

The Technology Partners: NRT and Sightline

NRT Technology, a veteran in gaming payment technology since 1993, brings decades of experience to the partnership. The company focuses on improving efficiency, enhancing security, and delivering exceptional guest experiences through its financial and engagement technologies. Sightline Payments, meanwhile, specializes in digital payment and wallet solutions for the gaming industry. Its flagship product, Sightline Pay, enables players to use a single digital payment method across all gaming channels and resort amenities, serving over 50 partners in 44 states.

Legal Counsel and Transaction Details

The deal involved several legal firms. Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP, and Alaeddini & Co advised Blackstone, while Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP’s Abu Dhabi office represented ADGT. The specific terms of the investment beyond the $250 million commitment were not disclosed.

Looking Ahead: Regulatory Compliance and Market Expansion

ADGT’s success will depend heavily on navigating the evolving regulatory landscape for digital payments and gaming. The company’s focus on compliance and its unique licensing position in the UAE provide a strong foundation. Further expansion will require securing similar licenses and approvals in other target markets. The platform’s ability to adapt to different regulatory frameworks and maintain interoperability will be crucial for its long-term growth. Blackstone’s prior investment in GLIDE (Reuters) suggests a pattern of long-term commitment to infrastructure development in the GCC region, and ADGT appears to fit that strategy.

The company’s next steps will likely involve scaling its operations in the UAE, onboarding new gaming partners, and expanding its technology platform to support additional features and services. Continued investment in compliance and security will be paramount as ADGT seeks to establish itself as a trusted provider of payments infrastructure for the regulated digital gaming market.