Businesses in Dubai were more optimistic in the second quarter of the year, than the same period last year. That’s according to the Business Confidence Index (BCI) released by the Department of Economic Development, which rose to 117 points, an increase of seven points. Of the 500 firms, 44% surveyed said they expected a rise in sales and volumes, compared to only 39% in the previous quarter. Some 48% anticipated further improvement in the coming months. Some of the challenges businesses faced included competition, market conditions, delayed payments and rental or leasing costs.