Sliding gates are the most common entrance choice for villas, warehouses, factories, and commercial compounds across Dubai, since they need less clearance than a swing gate and handle heavy, wide openings well. BFT, an Italian gate automation manufacturer, is one of the most widely supplied sliding gate brands in the UAE, alongside Nice, CAME, and FAAC, known for reliable rack-and-pinion drive systems that hold up under the region's heat and dust.

This guide walks through BFT's two main sliding gate ranges, Deimos and Ares, and what to consider before choosing either for your property.

Why BFT Is a Common Choice in the UAE

• Rack-and-pinion drive - both ranges use this drive method, which needs almost no maintenance and runs quietly compared to chain-driven alternatives.
• Electronic torque limiter - detects an obstruction and reverses the gate, an important safety feature for driveways with pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
• 24V DC motors - lower power draw and smoother, more controllable acceleration and deceleration than older AC motor designs.
• Built for outdoor heat - sealed housings and UV-stable components suited to Dubai's climate and sun exposure.

Deimos vs Ares: Which Range Fits Your Gate?

BFT Deimos

The Deimos series is BFT's residential and light-commercial sliding gate range, available in models such as Deimos BT A400 and Deimos Ultra BT A600, suited to gates weighing up to roughly 400-600 kg. It's a common fit for villas, small offices, and community entrances where the gate isn't opening and closing constantly throughout the day.

BFT Ares

The Ares series is built for heavier gates and more intensive daily use, with models like Ares BT A1000 and Ares Ultra BT A1500 rated for gates up to 1,000-1,500 kg. This is the range typically specified for warehouses, factories, logistics yards, and commercial compounds where the gate cycles frequently and the leaf is longer and heavier.

What to Check Before Choosing a Model

• Gate weight and length - confirm the actual weight of your gate leaf, not just its size, since steel and aluminium gates of the same length can differ significantly in weight.
• Duty cycle - a residential Deimos unit isn't built for the constant open/close cycles of a busy warehouse gate; match the operator to how often the gate will actually run per day.
• Safety accessories - photocells, safety edges, and warning lights are essential for any gate opening onto a driveway used by pedestrians or vehicles, and are typically required for commercial installations.
• Power backup - a battery backup keeps the gate operational during power interruptions, important for gated communities and secured commercial sites.
• Integration - check the operator can connect to your existing intercom, access control, or remote control system rather than needing a separate standalone controller.

Keeping a BFT Gate Reliable

Rack-and-pinion systems need little maintenance, but Dubai's dust and heat still take a toll on gearboxes, photocell alignment, and control board seals over time. Routine checks, lubrication where specified, and testing of safety features keep the gate running safely and avoid unexpected downtime. Many property owners bundle sliding gate servicing into the same Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) that covers their automatic doors, parking barriers, and access control systems, so all entrance automation is inspected on a single schedule.

Get the Right BFT Sliding Gate for Your Property

Merac Dubai supplies, installs, and maintains BFT sliding gate operators alongside our full range of automatic doors, parking barriers, CCTV, and access control systems across Dubai and the UAE. We can help you choose between Deimos and Ares based on your gate's weight and daily use, and keep it running with a scheduled AMC.

📞 Call or WhatsApp us today for a free site assessment and quote on BFT sliding gate supply, installation, or maintenance in Dubai and across the UAE.