Words by GO! Dubai Press & Media

She has conquered television screens, built a successful acting career and created a family life in Dubai. Now Deema Bayaa opens up about fame, family, property hunting in Sweden, everyday life and why Dubai has become home.

There are actors who walk into a room and immediately command attention. Deema Bayaa is one of them. But behind the glamorous world of television, red carpets and cameras is a woman who enjoys the simple things in life: family time, laughter, discovering new places and, apparently, looking at houses in Sweden.

For Deema, the journey to becoming a successful actress was never simply about being famous. It was about passion, persistence and having the courage to follow a dream — even when the road ahead was anything but predictable.

Today, she lives in Dubai with her husband and their two sons, balancing family life with an entertainment career that continues to evolve. She has also appeared in a Swedish television programme focused on looking for houses and property in Sweden, adding another unexpected chapter to her already international story.

We caught up with Deema for an entertaining and inspiring conversation about the woman behind the actress.

GO! Dubai: Deema, let’s start at the beginning. When did you realise that acting was going to be more than just a hobby?

Deema Bayaa: I think acting found me before I completely understood that I had found acting! (Laughs.) From an early age, I loved performing, telling stories and becoming different characters.

There is something magical about acting. You can wake up in the morning as yourself and, a few hours later, you are somebody completely different. It is basically the only profession where being dramatic is sometimes considered a qualification!

But seriously, I always felt that acting gave me a way to communicate emotions and connect with people. Once I experienced that connection with an audience, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue seriously.

GO! Dubai: Becoming a famous actress sounds glamorous. Was the road to success as glamorous as people imagine?

Deema: Absolutely not! (Laughs.) People see the finished product — the beautiful clothes, cameras, premieres and television appearances. They don’t always see the early mornings, long days, auditions, rehearsals, waiting and moments when you wonder whether everything is going to work out.

The entertainment industry teaches you patience very quickly.

You have to learn how to handle rejection without allowing it to define you. An audition that doesn’t work out doesn’t mean you aren’t talented. Sometimes you simply weren’t the right person for that particular character.

I believe persistence is one of the most important qualities an actor can have. Talent is important, of course, but you also need discipline, curiosity and the ability to keep going.

GO! Dubai: You’ve also appeared on Swedish television in a programme about looking for houses and property in Sweden. How did that happen?

Deema: That was such a fun experience! It was a completely different side of television for me.

Normally, I am used to stepping into a role and becoming someone else. Suddenly I was looking at houses and discussing property — which is actually quite dangerous because once you start looking at beautiful houses, your imagination starts moving in before you do!

Sweden is also very special to me, so being able to combine television with exploring property there was a wonderful experience.

And let’s be honest, looking at houses is much easier when you don’t necessarily have to clean them afterwards! (Laughs.)

GO! Dubai: Today, Dubai is home. What made you choose Dubai?

Deema: Dubai has an incredible energy. It is international, dynamic and constantly changing. There is always something happening.

But for me, the biggest advantage is the lifestyle. You can have a very active professional life while still creating a comfortable environment for your family.

I love the fact that Dubai brings together people from so many different cultures. You meet people from all over the world, hear different languages and experience different ideas every day.

And, of course, the weather doesn’t hurt! If you are coming from somewhere with long, dark winters, Dubai sunshine can feel like a personal gift from the universe. (Laughs.)

GO! Dubai: You live here with your husband and your two sons. What is family life like away from the cameras?

Deema: Family is my foundation. Whatever happens professionally, coming home and being with my husband and children puts everything into perspective.

With two boys, life is never boring. There is always noise, movement, questions, negotiations and somebody looking for something that was literally in front of them five minutes earlier!

But I love it.

My children remind me to enjoy the present. In our industry, you are constantly thinking about the next project, the next opportunity and the next goal. Family brings you back to what really matters.

GO! Dubai: So what does a normal day in the life of Deema Bayaa actually look like?

Deema: There is no such thing as a completely normal day! (Laughs.)

My mornings usually revolve around the family. Getting everyone organised can sometimes feel like producing a television show — except nobody follows the script!

Then I focus on work, meetings, projects, scripts or whatever is happening professionally. If I have filming, the entire rhythm changes because filming days can be long.

I also try to make time for myself. Sometimes that means exercise, sometimes meeting friends, sometimes simply having a quiet coffee.

And I have learned to appreciate those quiet moments. When you have a busy life, sitting down with a coffee and actually drinking it while it is still hot feels like a luxury!

GO! Dubai: Does being a mother change the way you approach your acting career?

Deema: Completely.

Having children gives you a different emotional depth. You experience love, responsibility, fear, happiness and so many other emotions in a much more intense way.

It also makes me more selective about how I spend my time. I want my career to continue growing, but I also want to be present for my family.

Success isn’t only about how many projects you have. It is also about the quality of the life you are building around those projects.

GO! Dubai: What do you enjoy most about Dubai?

Deema: The possibilities.

Dubai is a place where you can wake up and think, “What should I do today?” — and the answer could be almost anything.

You can have breakfast overlooking the sea, work in an international business environment, go shopping, enjoy art, restaurants, entertainment, sports or simply take the family somewhere new.

I also love the safety and convenience. When you have a family, those things matter enormously.

And there is a wonderful sense that the city is always looking forward. Dubai doesn’t spend too much time asking what was possible yesterday. It asks what could be possible tomorrow.

I find that very inspiring.

GO! Dubai: After achieving so much, what still motivates you?

Deema: The desire to improve.

I don’t want to repeat myself. I want to challenge myself with new characters, new stories and new formats.

The most exciting thing about acting is that you never really finish learning. Every character teaches you something.

I also want to continue exploring opportunities internationally. The world is becoming more connected, and I think actors today have incredible possibilities to work across countries and cultures.

GO! Dubai: Can you give us a hint about your next projects?

Deema: There are several exciting things developing, but I have learned not to announce everything too early! (Laughs.)

Let’s just say there are some interesting projects in development and I am very excited about what is coming next.

I am particularly interested in projects that have strong stories and characters with personality. I don’t want to simply be busy. I want to do work that people remember.

GO! Dubai: If you could give one piece of advice to someone dreaming of becoming an actor, what would it be?

Deema: Don’t wait for somebody to give you permission to believe in yourself.

Work hard. Learn your craft. Be professional. Be patient.

And don’t allow rejection to make you question your value.

There will always be people who say no. The important thing is to make sure that you don’t become one of them.

GO! Dubai: Finally, when you look at your journey so far, what makes you proudest?

Deema: I think I am proud that I continued moving forward.

There have been different chapters in my life — acting, television, family, living in different places and discovering new opportunities. Some things happened exactly as I planned and others completely surprised me.

But perhaps that is the beauty of life.

Today, I have a family I love, a career I am passionate about and a home in a city that gives me energy.

And I still have dreams.

For me, that is the exciting part. I don’t want to look at my life and think, “That’s it.” I want to wake up and wonder what the next chapter will bring.

And if that next chapter happens to involve another beautiful house in Sweden, another television project or another adventure in Dubai — well, I am ready.

One thing is certain: Deema Bayaa isn’t finished writing her story. And judging by her energy, the next chapter could be her most exciting one yet.