British intelligence and military officials have raised concerns that a Chinese-owned luxury resort in Cyprus could potentially provide a vantage point for monitoring activity at RAF Akrotiri, one of the UK’s most strategically important overseas military bases.
The 16-storey City of Dreams Mediterranean resort near Limassol, which opened in 2023, borders Britain’s Sovereign Base Areas on two sides and stands considerably taller than surrounding buildings, The Telegraph reported, citing intelligence and military sources.
Officials cited by the newspaper said the building’s height and proximity to the base could allow an observer with binoculars to monitor aircraft arrivals and departures as well as some movements of military personnel and officials.
The clearest views are reportedly available from the hotel’s top floor, where access is restricted to guests occupying its two presidential suites.
Some personnel at RAF Akrotiri are concerned that the location could potentially be exploited for intelligence gathering. However, the report said there was no suggestion that the hotel, its owner or operator had engaged in any wrongdoing.
The resort is part of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, headed by Chinese-Canadian businessman Lawrence Ho, who is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
RAF Akrotiri is a key staging point for British military operations in the Middle East and hosts sophisticated aircraft, including F-35 stealth fighters and US U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft.
According to the report, sustained observation from nearby could potentially reveal information about sortie rates, aircraft movement patterns, operational routines, perimeter security and patrols. It could also help identify military flights that do not transmit publicly available tracking information.
Sources said observation might additionally provide information about the base’s responses to potential drone threats and other security incidents.
British authorities are expected to employ counter-surveillance measures to mitigate any potential intelligence risk posed by observation points around the installation.