Is it permissible for me to maintain a physical distance from my wife while working in the Middle East, but still engage in video calls where we can see each other's body parts, without engaging in masturbation?
Bismihi ta'ala
Yes, you can do that, as long as she is ok with you being away from her, and try your best to either bring her to where you live, or finish your trip and return back to live together.
Husband and wife in general should be living together regularly.
As for seeing each other, etc, that is also permissible, but you correctly said "without masturbation".
And Allah knows best