An Australian man held on a spy charge in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been tortured in prison and tricked into signing a false confession, according to his family.

Naim Aziz Abbas, a 63-year-old Australian citizen who lives in Dubai, was arrested in October 2017 and is being held on suspicion of espionage.

But his Sydney-based brother Adil Abbas told SBS News the charge is "fabricated".

Adil Abbas said he had spoken to his brother several times on the phone since the arrest, where they discussed details of the case and treatment in prison.

He said his brother had applied for a job in Qatar - with whom UAE has a fraught relationship - which aroused suspicion with authorities.

But Adil Abbas said once his brother was taken to prison, the situation escalated quickly.

"He was subjected to torture ... There has been verbal and physical abuse," including being questioned in an electric chair, Adil Abbas said.

Adil Abbas said his brother told him that authorities "tricked him (Naim Aziz Abbas) into signing a document ... A false confession" relating to espionage.

"He's been charged with ... Communicating with a foreign state or with anyone who works in their interest to carry out a terrorist attack," Adil Abbas said.

"He's been in the middle of tensions between UAE and Qatar and he's (now) a scapegoat."

Naim Aziz Abbas had at least one meeting with Australian consular staff in Dubai.

The ABC has reported that an Australian diplomat had also met with the UAE's State Security Prosecutor to discuss the case.

"There has been effort from DFAT (the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) ... But until now it's been fruitless," Adil Abbas said.

SBS News reached out to DFAT for comment but do not receive a response by deadline.

'Intervene before it's too late'

Naim Aziz Abbas is reportedly due to face court for the first time on May 9. But Adil Abbas said his brother is yet to see a lawyer.

"If he is found guilty, he could face the death penalty or a life sentence ... On trumped up, false charges ... It's a farce."

"I appeal to our government, to the prime minister, to parliament, to Julie Bishop - please intervene before it's too late."

SBS Arabic24 contacted the UAE embassy in Canberra for comment, but it did not give any information about the case.

Additional reporting: AAP