To have Canada's foreign minister act as ring leader for a refugee's arrival at the airport was nothing short of tacky and exploitive, Scott Thompson says.

Canada's acceptance of Rahaf Al-Qunun is sparking debate within Saudi Arabia about loosening laws restricting women's freedom, but also a backlash that could initially repress more women, analysts say.

Dennis Horak has first-hand knowledge of the testy relationship between Canada and Saudi Arabia, having been expelled from Riyadh in August amid a diplomatic spat between the two countries.