Do I need a physical receipt to reclaim VAT?

Do I need a physical receipt to reclaim VAT? 

No. Physical receipts are not required. Instead digital receipts as it's more convenient especially for tourists.

No, actual receipts are not necessary in the UAE to request a VAT refund.

No,  in the UAE do not require physical receipts to claim VAT refunds

A receipt is mandatory for claiming VAT but it may be physical or digital 

Yes, you will need to present the original tax invoices for the goods you purchased in order to claim a VAT refund as a tourist in the UAE. When leaving the country, you can use the special device placed at the departure port (airport, seaport or border port) to submit your tax invoices, a copy of your passport, and a copy of your credit card. You must also physically present the relevant goods when leaving the country. Once you have completed the refund process, you can recover the VAT either in cash in UAE dirhams or have it refunded to your credit card.

Yes, if you're VAT registered you will always have to obtain a VAT receipt (or Tax invoice) from your suppliers.

No, You do not need a physical receipt for a VAT refund if you have a valid digital receipt or other proofs, But it will ease your process.