The University of Riau was established from the shared desires and ideals between the community and the Riau regional government. This desire was realized by forming the Riau Sunday School Preparation Committee (P3TR) in Tanjung Pinang. However, after the provincial capital of Riau moved to Pekanbaru, the Committee was moved to this city. The pioneers of the establishment of the tertiary institution were Colonel Kaharuddin Nasution, Datuk Wan Abdurrahman, Soesman Hs. and Drs. Sutan Balia.

UNRI has always played a role in promoting development, contributing social, economic and intellectual development to the progress of the nation. UNRI also involved itself in community projects, both carried out alone and in collaboration with the government and the private sector.