Is it obligatory to circumambulate the Kaaba upon entering the Sacred Mosque to perform a prayer after the circumambulation and before the Sa'i in Umrah, based on the principle that the salutation of the Sacred Mosque is the circumambulation?

It is recommended for a circumambulator (Taa'if) arriving in Makkah to begin with circumambulation upon entering the Sacred Mosque, because it is the "greeting" (tahiyyat) of the House in his regard. As for someone who is not arriving, the "greeting" of the House in his regard is performing two rak'ahs of prayer, if he does not intend to circumambulate. And whoever comes as a pilgrim performing Umrah, it is fitting for him to begin with circumambulation, then perform two rak'ahs of prayer behind the Maqam (Station of Ibrahim), then drink from Zamzam water, then begin the Sa'i (ritual brisk walking) between Safa and Marwah. If he delays the Sa'i and leaves the Mosque, then returns to it and does not intend to circumambulate, then he performs two rak'ahs as the greeting of the Mosque.