Hydraulics Research Institute (HRI) is one of twelve research institutes within the National Water Research Center (NWRC) of the Ministry of Water Resources & Irrigation (MWRI). It was established in 1975 to take over and extend the work of the Hydraulic Research & Experiment Station founded in 1949.The Institute is one of the oldest hydraulic institutes in the Middle East and Africa.

HRI is located at the west bank of Damietta Branch of the Nile River about 26 km north of Cairo. HRI was and still one of the largest specialized Institutes in the region in water related research and river hydraulics studies. The high reputation which was built within the region and at the International Level led HRI to become a focal point for researchers from all around the region and for technology transfer to the neighbouring countries.

HRI acquired this reputation from long practice, experience and excellent performance in solving real life problems. There is a strong link between the applied research activities of the institute and the needs of the National Water Research Centre and the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation development plans. In addition, the Institute carries out studies for other ministries, governmental and non-governmental bodies and consulting firms. Also, technical training and international cooperation in river engineering subjects have been helpful to build institutional capacity and sustain technology transfer programs.

Today, HRI is considered as an important institute and focal point in the Nile basin region for cooperation and collaboration activities. This cooperation started in 1995 with the establishment of the Regional Training Centre to be a part of the Institute. In a short time the centre became well known not only within the Nile region but also further in the African Continent and Arab Peninsula. Believing in the importance of knowledge sharing, the institute is using knowledge networking, information and communication technology tools as means to transfer this experience to the Nile region and neighbouring countries.