Suraya has a broad range of international asset finance and leasing experience, particularly in aviation and rail. She advises airlines, banks, lessors and other financial institutions. Her focus is on cross border financing and leasing matters and structured transactions with an emphasis on transactions involving the aviation sector and Islamic finance.

Prior to joining DLA Piper, Suraya was in-house counsel at Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi, UAE for over four years advising the Treasury and Fleet Planning teams on a range of asset financings, corporate projects, Islamic financings and unsecured financings. She has experience of UAE financial services requirements and worked closely with the UAE Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). She also advised Etihad Airways subsidiary companies and partner airlines on a wide range of commercial matters.

In 2019 Suraya advised Etihad Airways on the first sustainable finance transaction to secure funding for a project based on its compatibility with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

 In 2019 Suraya advised Etihad Airways on the first ADGM asset finance transaction which was awarded Middle East & Africa Debt Deal of the Year by Airline Economics.

 In 2016 Suraya advised Etihad Airways on a transaction which was awarded Sale and Leaseback deal of the Year by Airfinance Journal.

She also has extensive experience in Islamic Finance having previously trained with the Islamic Finance team in London and Bahrain at Norton Rose Fulbright LLP and in 2017 she obtained the Islamic Finance Qualification. In 2019 Suraya advised on the first double exposure Murabaha facility for Etihad Airways.

In 2020, Suraya completed the MBA Essentials certification at the London School of Economics and Political Science.