If the new assignment is the real thing they'll pay you to compensate you for the additional work. If not, then they don't value the position or you, and you don't lose anything by saying no. Don't let them take advantage of you. Having someone who can do the job and is willing to do it is vital to them. They know it and they'll pay for it, unless they really don't care about the position, in which case you're better off knowing now.

Hugh's job doesn't pay extra for travel because his job requires travel and it's nothing new. This is a new and more burdensome requirement. You get to renegotiate the deal when they do that. If they're not willing to make it worth your while then it's not a position worth having because they don't care about it. If they do care about it they'll pay you what it's worth.

I travel to Saudi occasionally with my job, and our company has other people who stay there much more - like 6 mos our the year. My first advice is to get the facts straight on your income taxation. Some of what you have read above will get you in hot water with the IRS. kiwiokii pretty much nailed it: According to the IRS, to exclude your foreign income, you must either be a bona fide resident of that country, or meet the physical presence test - which says you have to be completely off US soil for 330 days. I think the document is IRS Pub 54.


edit: okay, I just deleted a whole bunch because I had missed this post: I can't advise you on Abu Dhabi. I go to Saudi a couple time per year, and Dubai, but never been to A-D.

I can tell you this: Make the company fly you business class or first. You don't want to be in coach for 14 hours.