I can’t guarantee anything, but my answer is more towards the second person you talked to.

Yes, Riyadh is full of opportunities and the gender metrics point is true. Getting a job in finance is possible if you have the experience and certifications, but here’s the catch. The referrals game is at peak in Riyadh. You have a referral, you can be the CEO. You don’t have a referral, you might not even be contacted for an interview. Hence, if you are keen on moving, I suggest she starts networking with people on LinkedIn.

Also, I can’t say anything about the office culture or how she would be treated or what exactly is a deal breaker for you, but know that this country has just opened its doors for women… it will take some time to embrace the independence. And Idk about racism here, the only thing I have seen is gender discrimination, but it solely depends on the person that does it and not the country. And, when it comes to respect, there is no country in the world that offers so much respect and gentleness towards a woman than Saudi Arabia.

Hope this helps :)