Most likely, they’re housed through Defence’s overseas-posting arrangements rather than left to sort it out privately. For an ADF member at the Australian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the housing setup is typically tied to a long-term overseas posting package, which can include a private rental with Defence-paid bond and housing support, or other accommodation arranged as part of the posting.

What that usually means

  • Defence Housing Australia supports ADF members with housing services, including relocation and accommodation support.
  • For overseas postings, Defence guidance says housing benefits are available, and bonds for private rentals in other countries are usually paid by Defence.
  • A Defence Embassy role in Abu Dhabi can also come with an explicit housing allowance in the job package, which suggests accommodation is provided or subsidized rather than fully self-funded.

Practical answer

In plain terms, an ADF member working at the Australian Embassy in Abu Dhabi would usually be housed in:

  • a leased apartment or house arranged under Defence support,
  • embassy-connected accommodation arrangements,
  • or accommodation covered by a housing allowance, depending on the posting and entitlement.

Caveat

The exact arrangement depends on rank, posting type, family status, and the terms of the individual assignment. Publicly available material shows the support framework, but not one fixed address or single housing model for every member.

TL;DR

They’re usually housed through Defence-supported overseas posting arrangements, often via a private rental or accommodation allowance rather than paying entirely out of pocket.