In 2016, he moved to Iranian side Zob Ahan; Ataya returned to Lebanon two years later, joining Ahed.

[5] On 5 February 2015, Ataya joined Iraqi Premier League club Masafi Al-Wasat for the rest of the season.

[17] He made his debut on 5 March 2021, in the opening game of the season – which was also the final of the 2021 Piala Sumbangsih; his team lost 2–0 against Johor Darul Ta'zim.

[18] On 17 and 20 March, Ataya made two assists in two consecutive games, helping his team beat Petaling Jaya City and his former club UiTM.

[20] Ataya's second goal came four days later, scoring a long-distance shot off a free kick in a 4–1 win to Petaling Jaya City.

[22] In January 2022, Ataya moved to UAE Pro League side Ajman on a one-match contract; the nature of the contract is due to the temporary absence of Tunisian midfielder Firas Ben Larbi from Ajman's squad, as he would be competing in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

[7] On 13 June 2017, Ataya scored his first international brace in a 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification match, helping Lebanon beat Malaysia 2–1.

[7] Ataya was called up for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup;[32] he featured in two games, against Saudi Arabia and North Korea.